Yeovil Town boss Russell Slade is backing fit-again skipper Terry Skiverton to return to top form in time to confront the imposing threat of Kevin Kyle tomorrow.

The Glovers head to the north-east to face a Hartlepool side whose play will be built around the 6ft 4ins presence of the on-loan Coventry City centre-forward.

Defender Skiverton limped off in Yeovil's last outing – a 1-0 defeat at Colchester – but should be fit.

Kyle was a transfer target for Slade but opted to join United rather than the Glovers.

Slade said: "Skivo was in a good vein of form. It was unfortunate he had to go off in the Colchester game because he has rediscovered some of that form he is capable of and, let's be honest, he is our second top goalscorer with three goals!

"We need him out there and we need him on top of his game. It will be an interesting contest.

"Kevin was available but he elected to go to Hartlepool. He is there for a second month but he is a threat on his day – you have seen him in the Championship and the Premier League. He has had his share of injuries but he will give them a focus."

Yeovil are also likely to face former Manchester United midfielder Ritchie Jones.

The youngster had half a season on loan at Huish Park last year in which he failed to impress, but he has been a regular for Hartlepool and is likely to shake off a hamstring scare in time to feature.

Meanwhile, Slade is hoping for a quick resolution to the Marc Bircham situation.

As revealed in yesterday's Daily Press, the 30-year-old midfielder is considering retirement because of his long-term ankle problem.

Such a move would free up Bircham's wages to be spent on one or more players to add to Slade's squad.

Slade said: "He is very disillusioned, and understandably so. This ankle problem has caused him a lot of stress.

"To be fair to Birch, he understands my situation. We have had a chat. He has made steps already with regard to retiring from football.

"He knows my situation and he knows that frees up money for me and hopefully that will be sorted out sooner, rather than later, but it is out of my hands – it is down to the medical people."