Hartlepool United's Craig Hignett to pit wits with Leyton Orient's Kevin Nolan

The two managerial rookies clash when Pools travel to former Newcastle United midfielder Nolan’s Leyton Orient in League Two.

Hignett will be watching from the bench, while veteran Nolan will be looking to pull the strings from the middle of the park.

“I know him really well,” said Hignett.

“I’m pleased he’s got a chance as it’s hard to go from player to manager - and it’s hard to do both.

“He’s a real football lad.

“We have played against each other lots over the years - he’s had a fantastic career, scored a lot of Premier League goals and has always been a character.

“Now it’s a different level at League Two, maybe he has to rein himself in a bit, but I’m sure he will be all right.”

Orient are still in with a sniff of automatic promotion and will be looking at the play-offs as a minumum target.

“Kevin has done well since he went in. It’s a tough game for us,” added Hignett.