Smith may make debut for Latics
Korey Smith is set to make his Oldham debut as Lee Johnson starts his managerial career at Boundary Park against Hartlepool.
Smith has joined the npower League One strugglers on a one-month loan deal from Norwich and is fit to feature against John Hughes' side.
Johnson inherits a Latics side placed 21st in the npower League Two table after he was confirmed as Paul Dickov's permanent replacement.
His first task will be to halt a run of three consecutive league defeats which has left his side two points from safety.
The youngest manager in the Football League will be without Matt Smith (knee) and Cliff Byrne (ankle) who both remain absent.
Johnson has no other injury or suspension concerns with Kirk Millar, Cristian Montano and Robbie Simpson all hoping for a change in selection under the new regime.
Hartlepool manager John Hughes could stick with the same starting line-up for the midweek game.
Hughes has no new injury or suspension problems and could opt for the same XI that started in the narrow weekend defeat at Coventry.
That could mean a place on the substitutes' bench again for striker Steve Howard, who has yet to start a game since late January after shaking off a hamstring strain.
Antony Sweeney made his first start since January at Coventry after his recovery from a knee injury and lasted 70 minutes. He is expected to resume in midfield alongside Ritchie Humphreys, Simon Walton and Jonathan Franks.
Teenage striker Luke James is pushing for a recall, but James Poole is likely to continue his partnership with Middlesbrough loanee Charlie Wyke up front.
Teenage defenders Jordan Richards and Jack Baldwin are out for the rest of the season with respective knee injuries.
Source: PA
