Dave Challinor provides latest team news ahead of Stockport County clash as Macauley Southam-Hales and Gime Toure set to start for Hartlepool United

Dave Challinor is welcoming the return of Gime Toure to Hartlepool United’s squad against Stockport County this weekend (3pm kick-off).
Dominic Scurr
By Dominic Scurr
Published 23rd Jan 2020, 16:45 BST
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Toure will return to the fray after serving his three match suspension for violent conduct.

New loan signing Macauley Southam-Hales is also expected to start at right-back for his Pools debut.

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On Toure’s return, Challinor said: “Of course he fits into the plans, I more than anyone was frustrated at the fact that alongside injuries and players going out we couldn’t pick our top scorer.

HARTLEPOOL, ENGLAND Hartlepool United's Gime Toure celebrates after scoring their second goal during the Vanarama National League match between Hartlepool United and AFC Fylde at Victoria Park, Hartlepool on Tuesday 13th August 2019.HARTLEPOOL, ENGLAND Hartlepool United's Gime Toure celebrates after scoring their second goal during the Vanarama National League match between Hartlepool United and AFC Fylde at Victoria Park, Hartlepool on Tuesday 13th August 2019.
HARTLEPOOL, ENGLAND Hartlepool United's Gime Toure celebrates after scoring their second goal during the Vanarama National League match between Hartlepool United and AFC Fylde at Victoria Park, Hartlepool on Tuesday 13th August 2019.

“We have done is we’ve managed to create opportunities, managed to score goals which is good but him coming back into me being able to select him is massive for us and just gives us more options and all of a sudden more options on the pitch gives us more options on the bench.

“You look back to last weekend we were at the point where we were a little bit sparse and when you’re looking for someone to change the game your options have been a little bit less over the last couple of weeks.

“Mols [Luke Molyneux] has had another week in him and has come on a lot in a short space of time.

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“So now with players like Gime coming back into the frame and wanting to get into a position where he’s desperate to start and I’m starting to see that and that can only be positive and when we get him back fit it’ll be like a new signing for us as well.”

On the injury front, Challinor will be hoping to have Kenton Richardson and Tyler Hamilton back available while Luke James (groin), Luke Williams (hamstring), Josh Hawkes (abdomen), Michael Raynes (thigh), Fraser Kerr (back) and Adam Bale (knee) remain out.

“We had eight missing last weekend but we’ve got no new concerns,” said the Pools boss.

“Will any of them be back? Potentially but we’ll have to see what happens over the next few days. The good news is no one else is ruled out.

“Fraser needs further investigation into his back, will need an x-ray to rule things out.

“Kenton, we will see how he reacts again today, which will hopefully give us options.”

Related topics:Dave ChallinorFraser Kerr