Dave Challinor has this message for Hartlepool United strike duo Aidan Keena and Rob Harker

Harker, signed on loan from Burnley, is competing with ex-Hearts forward Keena for a central striker role at Pools.

And Challinor is a big believer in healthy competition to keep all of his players on their toes.

Pools host Notts County at The Vic this Saturday, a big game between two National League promotion-chasing sides.

County are sixth with Pools in 12th but just four points behind.

On competition, Challinor said: "I mean ultimately you want a squad of players that is competitive but ultimately they all want to play.

"Yes they want everyone else to do their best and wish them well when they're out there because ultimately they are representing all of us but you do want healthy competition and people that want to play and push each other because that is how people improve.

"We have people coming back into the squad.

"We have got competition throughout which keeps people on their toes which, certainly from a management perspective is where we want to be."

Challinor added: "Football at times is a simple game and the majority of goals are scored in between the posts from between two and 12 yards out so if you put the ball in those areas then probability would say you’re going to get chances to score.

"We’ve conceded some really poor goals and we can’t continue to do that."