Hartlepool United boss Dave Challinor set for midfield boost

Pools faced a frustrating weekend after their game at Dagenham & Redbridge was called off once they had already travelled down and they are back on the road for a midweek trip to Eastleigh in the National League.

Pools will be aiming to build on their stunning home form, which has seen them win six straight matches, with a win on the road to bolster promotion hopes this season.

Gavan Holohan is set to return from suspension but Luke Molyneux remains out for one more match.

Midfielder Crawford had also been a doubt after fracturing a bone in his hand following Tuesday night’s win.

Speaking last week, Challinor confirmed Crawford had done similar to what Mark Shelton did previously, fracturing his metacarpal in his hand.

There was fresh hope at the weekend he will be fit to at least be part of the squad.

Challinor said: “Tom is okay, he didn’t travel on Saturday.

"He saw the specialist and was advised not to play at the weekend but I think he’ll be fine for Tuesday and we’ll see how he is.

"We’ll send him work to do over the weekend and he’ll travel down with us on Monday and we’ll make a decision from there.”

Pools face Eastleigh at 5pm on Tuesday evening in the National League. Pools are third with 36 points from 20 games, Eastleigh eighth and five points behind.

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