Bates a doubt for Hartlepool
Hartlepool defender Matthew Bates is an injury doubt for the home game against Northampton.
Bates was forced out of Saturday's defeat at Portsmouth due to a dead leg and was replaced by Nicky Featherstone, who will return to the starting line-up if the former Middlesbrough centre-half fails to make it.
Manager Ronnie Moore handed first appearances to new signings Marvin Morgan and David Mirfin against Portsmouth and both will be hoping to make their home debuts.
Striker Marlon Harewood and midfielder Jonathan Franks are among those pushing for recalls, but long-term absentee Tommy Miller (calf) is not ready to return as Pools chase a third straight home win.
Zander Diamond is out of the Northampton squad with a hamstring injury.
The defender came off in Saturday's 2-1 win over Morecambe and is sidelined for the trip to Victoria Park.
Ryan Cresswell is back after a ban and is likely to come straight back into the team while Ian Morris (knee) and Kaid Mohamed (foot) are out.
Boss Chris Wilder told Cobblers Player: "I'll never put supporters down with their expectations and dreams. There has to be a goal. We have had a fantastic run and we're desperate to continue."
Source: PA
