Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor gives clear time frame for Gary Liddle's return as well as updates on Sheffield United loanee David Parkhouse, Luke Molyneux and Mason Bloomfield

Pools will look to maintain their unbeaten start to the National League season at The Hive but are likely to still be without Gary Liddle (groin).

David Parkhouse was injured on international duty for Northern Ireland under-21s and is a doubt for Saturday’s match.

Meanwhile, the fitness of Mason Bloomfield and Luke Molyneux will continue to be monitored after both came off the bench during Tuesday night’s goalless draw against Bromley.

When discussing timeframes for his players returning, Challinor told The Mail: “It’s a tough one, hopefully Lidds isn’t too far away.

"He’s in a similar boat to Parky. I’d say of the two, Parky is more likely to be available for Saturday.

"It would be a risk to involve Lidds on Saturday even though we could probably do it.

"But looking at the bigger picture with the FA Cup [at Ilkeston Town] the following week, realistically with him we’re looking at the Tuesday after that against Altrincham to get him back amongst things.

"Parky got back into Teesside at 10 o’clock on Wednesday morning, I spoke to him over the weekend and he was feeling it a little bit.

"In fairness to Northern Ireland, they’ve been really good. He had another little go on Sunday and was still feeling something so they pulled him out of their game on Tuesday.

"Hopefully he comes back to us in decent shape and we’ll see where he’s at. We won’t risk it if there are any issues.

"We’ve got an important game on Saturday then an FA Cup game so if we need to give it a bit of time then we will.

"I know from his attitude, his appetite is to get out there and playing and he’s one that will put himself in the middle of the six-yard box and get on the end of crosses.

"He’ll want to play but we need to make the right decision for everyone, not just jumping into things.”

Molyneux is nearing a return to full fitness after coming off the bench on Tuesday night. He is likely to travel with the squad to Barnet this weekend though Challinor admitted the winger was ‘still a little bit behind’ in terms of being able to start.

Bloomfield picked up a knock to his ankle during the 2-1 victory at Chesterfield last Tuesday evening before playing through it at Maidenhead United last weekend.

The striker dropped to the bench in place of Rhys Oates against Bromley but Challinor expects to have him available at The Hive.

Should Parkhouse be passed fit, the Pools boss could face a selection headache as to who he chooses to lead the line.

"Mason pullout out of training on Monday still feeling his ankle so we gave him a bit of a rest, he should be okay for the weekend,” Challinor added.

“Against Bromley, we thought we could cause them problems down the sides and you look at their back unit, they’re dealt to deal with high balls into the box which is why we got Mols involved.

"He’s still a little bit behind but the time on the pitch will do him the world of good.”

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