PAUL Hurst admits that Jon-Paul Pittman's injury record was a concern when Grimsby Town signed the striker.
However, the Mariners boss insists the forward's performances have already shown he was worth the 'gamble'.
As reported, the former Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest Youth-teamer has returned to training this week after four weeks out of action with a torn hamstring.
And that's welcome news for Town fans, who saw the 27-year-old net four times in just seven appearances at the start of the campaign.
Hurst is looking forward to welcoming the US-born frontman back to his match-day squad, but concedes that his injury difficulties with Wycombe Wanderers were discussed when Pittman was offered a one-year deal in July.
The manager told the Telegraph: "We spoke about JP's injury record over the last couple of seasons, and spoke about it as a club.
"In the end, what we brought him in for fitted well and was a fair reflection. It wasn't a total gamble – we felt it was worth bringing him in.
"With his four goals, you could almost say it's worth it already.
"The problem is if he does break down when he's in the team and doing well – it's then having that next person in line. Perhaps, they will need a bit of time to get up to speed.
"But he's shown what he can do when he gets a run of games.
"We won't know until the end of the season how many games he will play, but if he can get back involved and have the impact he had at the start of the season then I'm sure we'll all be happy."
Hurst was also quick to commend Pittman's response to the injury he sustained in the clash with Torquay last month.
"He's popular around the place and has handled the injury extremely well," he added.
"I guess he's had a few injuries to handle during his career, but you could still use it the other way and get really down.
"He's come in with a smile on his face and has been right behind the lads – he wants them to do well but he obviously wants to be in the team and doing well."
