Cliff Byrne is a major doubt for Scunthorpe United's trip to Hartlepool United this afternoon.

The Iron club captain is still struggling to reach peak fitness after nine months on the sidelines with a back injury, with a troublesome groin problem likely to rule him out of the clash at Victoria Park.

Byrne played through the pain barrier during the first half of Saturday's 2-2 draw with Chesterfield, but was forced off at half-time.

It's a frustrating period for the 29-year-old former Sunderland defender, who is the longest-serving player on the books at Glanford Park.

"Cliff has struggled with his groin, which is why he's had time out, and during the first half it just tightened up," said Iron assistant manager Chris Brass.

"He's as frustrated as anybody about not being able to get out on the field.

"Hopefully we can nurse him and manage him correctly to get him out there as much as possible.

"He's been out for a long time and these sorts of things happen, especially when the pitches change and become heavier.

"He does everything possible to get out there and it does make a difference when we do get him out."

Brass admitted the Iron had missed Byrne's presence against Chesterfield.

When he was forced off, they were leading 1-0 and had been troubled little by the bottom-of-the-table Spireites.

Few of his team-mates are able to match his dressing room presence and ability to organise.

"He's a leader and he's influential," added Brass.

"Having Cliff out there, I think the younger ones will learn from his traits.

"He talks, that's one of his qualities and, to a point, yes, we missed him during the second half on Saturday.

"But what you have to accept is that sometimes you lose a Jimmy Ryan or a Cliff and someone else is given an opportunity. I would look at that as an opportunity to step forward.

"If you get a shirt, you have to try and keep hold of it.

"If someone is keeping Cliff Byrne out of the team, I think we're starting to do the right things."

Eddie Nolan will return to the Iron squad after serving a one-match suspension and Paul Reid is in contention for a place on the bench as he recovers from a slight calf injury.