Hartlepool United make three changes for much-anticipated clash with rivals Carlisle United

Nicky Featherstone's side are bidding to take another big step towards the National League play-off places after results went in their favour earlier in the week against the big-spending Cumbrians.

Skipper Tom Parkes returns to the heart of the Pools defence in place of Reiss McNally, who was forced off four minutes into the second half of Saturday's remarkable 4-3 win over Solihull Moors with an Achilles injury that Featherstone said is set to keep him out for around a month.

Elsewhere, Nathan Sheron, who was dropped for the first time all season for the trip to the West Midlands, has been restored to the engine room, allowing Jamie Miley to move into a more advanced role following his superb strike at Damson Park. Speaking in the week, Featherstone said he wanted the 22-year-old to spend more time in forward areas as he bids to bring the best out of the former Newcastle man on a more consistent basis. Adam Campbell drops to the bench.

Matty Daly also returns to the side, with Gavan Holohan, who conceded a penalty and scored an own goal against Solihull, named among the substitutes.

Luke Charman, who Featherstone said looked set to miss the remainder of the season after being stretchered off at the weekend, misses out but Pools are boosted by the return of Vadaine Oliver, who could be set to feature for the first time since October.

Pools (4-2-3-1): Hayes; Benn, Kouogun, Parkes (c), John; Sheron, Hunter; Daly, Miley, Sinclair; Reid