Howard worry for Pools Hartlepool striker Steve Howard is doubtful for the home game with Shrewsbury. Howard required half a dozen stitches in a cut shin during the interval in the midweek surrender at Preston and may undergo a late fitness test. James Poole and teenager Luke James were both unused substitutes in Tuesday's 5-0 defeat that manager Neale Cooper described as embarrassing and both strikers are pushing for a recall to the starting line-up. Cooper is expected to make several other changes and summer signing Craig Lynch is another who could be handed his chance after making his third appearance off the bench at Preston. Teenager Jack Baldwin and fellow defender Darren Holden, both unused substitutes in midweek, are also in contention as Pools chase their first win in four league matches. Graham Turner is expected to keep faith with his new-look Shrewsbury side. Turner called the changes in midweek in response to last Saturday's deflating 1-0 home defeat to Scunthorpe and duly reaped the rewards as Shrews convincingly brushed aside Coventry 4-1 to record only their second win of the campaign. Left-back Joe Jacobson and midfielder Aaron Wildig came in for their first league starts of campaign while there were recalls for centre-back Michael Hector and striker Terry Gornell. All four can expect to keep their places at Victoria Park as Shrewsbury now go in search of their first away win of the season. Otherwise, Turner is set to have a fully fit squad to select from.
Source: PA
