'Everyone is going to be needed' - Matthew Bates urges out-of-favour Pools players to remain first-team ready

While Pools squad is nowhere near as large as last season, the manager has had a number of selection headaches in the fifth tier's first fortnight.

High profile players have had to sit in the stands, while some have been in and out in the opening four games.

Hartlepool United boss Matthew Bates believes that his side will give someone a ‘hiding’ very soon ahead of Maidenhead United gameAnd for Bates to have this kind of competition is no bad thing.

In the team or out-of-favour, the Pools boss is keen for those who find themselves out-of-favour, to retain their levels and keep their heads up, as he will no doubt need to call upon them at some point, when injuries, form and suspensions hit.

Niko Muir and Luke James can lead Hartlepool United line again together against Maidenhead United

Ahead of tomorrow's Maidenhead clash, Bates said: "We've got a competitive squad.

"There's not one in there that I've got a problem with.

"I've got a big squad and I have had to leave a few players out here and there and there's not one of them who has had an issue with it or sulked, or who has been a problem for me.

Matthew Bates on his Hartlepool players’ football intelligence and why they won’t panic

"We have got a good group and they are all vying for places.

"You saw with Andrew's injury he other day. The squad is a good size but a couple of injuries and it soon dwindles down.

"Everyone is going to be needed and everyone is going to be playing."