Hignett hopes to Paynt striker into the picture against Accrington
Hartlepool boss Craig Hignett will run the rule over leading scorer Billy Paynter before naming his team for Tuesday night's Sky Bet League Two clash with Accrington.
Paynter has missed the last three games with a hamstring problem and will be assessed ahead of Stanley's visit to Victoria Park.
Midfielder Nathan Thomas was substituted during Saturday's 2-1 victory over York with cramp, but should be fit, while defender Rob Jones and midfielder Jake Gray, who were rested at the weekend, will return to contention.
Jake Carroll also left the pitch early against the Minstermen after having to miss training in the run-up to the game following a head injury, while fellow defender Harry Worley continues his recovery from a long-term ankle problem.
Accrington could be without both Scott Brown and Terry Gornell in the north east.
Midfielder Brown was withdrawn before half-time in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Morecambe having pulled his hamstring.
Striker Gornell missed that fixture with a bout of illness and is yet to see a doctor, though top scorer Billy Kee was back at the weekend following a head injury.
Joe Wright (knee) and Matt Crooks (ankle) are both set to return soon, though this fixture will likely come too soon.
Source: PAR
