Hartlepool United boss Craig Hignett desperate for Pools to move up table so he can hand out more first-team chances

Hignett has been impressed with the application and enthusiasm of his entire pool of players since his arrival at Victoria Park.

But such is the size of the Pools squad, many of the men to have caught his eye cannot even get into the match-day 18.

When Hignett took charge he said he would give the players he inherited every chance and insisted he would not be utilising the loan market.

The Scouser has remained true to his word - the only addition he has made has been the signing of central defender Rob Jones for the rest of the season.

“The table isn’t great, but the sooner we get a few wins in a row the better for me,” said Hignett, whose side face Dagenham & Redbridge in League Two this afternoon at Victoria park.

“There are players I want to see.

“I see them in training and they are doing well, but I want to see them in a game and give them a chance between now and the end of the season.

“I feel really good where we are at the present time.

“The likes of Rakish Bingham, Kieron Green, Kudus Oyenuga, Ebby Nelson-Addy, Connor Smith, Josh Nearney, the way they are all training is brilliant, they are all champing at the bit.”

Midfielder Josh Laurent has been in Hignett’s squad and Brad Walker has started for the former Middlesbrough star.

Both have impressed on the training ground at Maiden Castle.

“Josh Laurent has been excellent in training, Brad Walker is another who has been good,” said Hignett.

“He was left out last week at Barnet, but he has reacted really well.

“That’s what I want, I want us all in it together.

“Whether we are in the side or not, I want everyone together and we are.”

Pools could well go down the friendly route to give Hignett a chance to watch them in a more competitive environment.

“We had one against Newcastle,” added the boss,

“They had Vurnon Anita and Siem de Jong playing and we beat them 3-1, the lads are really up for it.”