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With just seven games remaining, Pool are outside the League One drop zone, but defeat tomorrow would plunge them head on into a nervy relegation scrap.

But with Pool's youth team knocking ten past Lincoln last week and the a youthful reserve side putting four past the same opponents in midweek, Stephenson predicts a bright future.

The youth team boss is in temporary first team command and he has already made Steven Turnbull a first team regular.

Pool travel without Joel Porter, who suffered an injury in last week's draw with Oldham at Victoria Park.

"Joel has a problem, but the pleasing thing is that it's not his old injury, it's a fresh one and one we hope will only keep him out for a couple of weeks,'' said Stephenson.

"We've got young players who are starting to carve out careers and are proving what they can do.

"We've got lads who want to earn new contracts and stay at this club in League One. It's time to show what people are made of.

"It's a pressure situation, but I don't think the young lads ever feel it. They've never been in this situation before so they don't know. Do they fully understand it? They are more concerned with showing what they can do.

"I've seen him from 16 or 17 and I know what he can do. His brother Phillip played for the reserves the other night and did very well. He's another one to look out for and they both have real ability and belief in themselves.

"Maybe we thought Steven was being a little tired, but we did some new fitness tests and bleep tests and he was right up there.

"You could see last week in the last minute his determination when he made a great saving tackle, then jumped up and won the next one as well.''

Pool will train this morning before setting off for Swindon and Stephenson, who has lost just two games of his nine in temporary charge, knows the importance of the County Ground trip.

"I think every game I've been in charge of has been big,'' he said. "What we have to do is carry on and make sure we continue playing in the way we have been.''

Meanwhile, hours after his father guided Celtic to the Scottish Premier League title, Gavin Strachan has revealed the impact losing their relegation battle could have on all at Victoria Park.

With contracts up for renewal this summer, Strachan, who is attracting interest from St Mirren and Dundee United, admitted: "People's livelihoods are at stake, we can't afford to go down and I know what it means to the supporters.

"Losing hurts. People think we don't care. There's people out of contract here and it's a nervy time for all, let me assure everyone about that.''

The midfielder returned to training yesterday, after suffering a broken leg at the end of January and admitted: "It's been a long time and it's been a lonely road at times. Strictly speaking it's been a quick return, but not for me.

"I feel good and will have to impress on the training ground.''

l After spending over four months on the sidelines, midfielder David Duke is ready to save his best until last for Darlington's play-off cause.

The 27-year-old made his long-awaited return from injury in Tuesday's 2-0 win at Rochdale and his impressive re-emergence - playing in a midfield three - was welcomed by manager David Hodgson.

"It was great to see Dukesy back out on the pitch and in the thick of things," said Hodgson. "I think you could see at Rochdale that he was playing with a point to prove and that can only be a good thing."

Duke will make only his second start of the year at Torquay tomorrow.

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