Craig Hignett won't accept Hartlepool United jog-about at Plymouth Argyle

Hignett admits that he understands why players may have inadvertantly switched off, given there is nothing to play for.

But he is desperate to see Pools finish on a high – a victory at Home Park will prevent a fourth straight defeat and would guarantee them 16th place unless Notts County thump Carlisle by a cricket score.

“I don’t want it to be an end-of-season jog-about and I will be telling the players that,” said Hignett.

“They have got to put it in – they have got to win the game.

“We’ve had three defeats and I’m not going to be happy with four. I want to go there and get a positive result.

“Holiday mode happens, I was like that as a player.

“If there is nothing to play for you tend to ease off a little bit.

“It only takes a one or two per cent ease-off – and if that’s happening with six or seven players then it does makes a difference to performance.

“But they are good professionals and they will know what I want.

“I want to finish the season on a high.”

On the subject of highs, the fan count is going to be significant – Plymouth are just days away from the play-offs and scores of Pools supporters will be in fancy dress and Hignett would like them to see a win.

“The last day of the season for Hartlepool supporters is brilliant, one to enjoy,” he said. “I look forward to it every year because there’s been some unbelievable pictures taken over the years.

“The national spotlight is on Pool on the last day of the season because of what the fans do.”