Hartlepool United set to play behind closed doors friendly next week as Dave Challinor looks to keep squad sharp for National League play-off push

And with the fixture schedule finally starting to calm down, the Pools boss is planning friendly matches through the week for players short of minutes in order to keep everyone sharp.

Players such as Mason Bloomfield, Ryan Donaldson, Tom Crawford, Henrich Ravas, Claudio Ofosu and Josh MacDonald have found starts hard to come by this season as the side sit second in the National League table.

Young forward Joe Grey will also be looking to get back involved as he recovers from a back problem.

And with injuries and suspensions always a threat, Challinor wants to ensure all of his players are ready to step up if and when called upon.

“Everyone will play a part and even if people are tinged with disappointment not to be involved, every single one of them is delighted when we pick up three points,” Challinor told The Mail.

"Once we get the weekend out the way [against Stockport County], the lads who haven’t been involved as much will play a game on Monday and look to get some match fitness.

"It’s important everyone in the squad is able to produce and be able to play for 90-minutes. It’s a luxury we’ve not had to do over the past several weeks because of our Tuesday games but it’s slowing down for us slightly which gives us the chance to get everyone back up to speed.”

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