Here's how our Hartlepool United writer Robbie Stelling would like to see Pools line up in order to accommodate another striker in their team.
5. Right-wing-back: Louis Stephenson
Jay Benn has started all 10 National League games under Nicky Featherstone but endured a difficult afternoon up against Scunthorpe's Tyrell Sellars-Fleming and is another who looks like he might benefit from a break. For whatever reason, Stephenson seems to have fallen totally out of favour at Victoria Park and spent the early part of the season out on loan at National League North side Buxton. While it's true that the youngster has featured just once, coming off the bench during the humiliating FA Trophy defeat at the hands of Northern Premier League Division One Midlands outfit Anstey Nomads, since his return, he would at least be able to provide Pools with some much-needed passion, determination and energy. Versatile teenager Campbell Darcy is another option available to Featherstone. Photo: Frank Reid
6. Left-wing-back: Besart Topallaj
Much like Louis Stephenson, the Bromley loanee has fallen from favour of late and hasn't started a game since November 4. While it's true that the 24-year-old, so far at least, has failed to live up to his initial promise in the North East, Topallaj's inclusion might offer Pools some more energy and impetus down the left. Photo: Frank Reid
7. Central-midfield: Nathan Sheron
Sheron is the only Pools player to have started all 24 National League games this term and his industry and determination at the base of midfield should help get the best out of the attacking players available to Nicky Featherstone. Photo: Frank Reid
8. Central-midfield: Jamie Miley
The young midfielder is starting to become a bit of an enigma at Victoria Park and has been well below his best in recent weeks. True, the former Newcastle man needs to do much more to impact games, but Pools also need to work harder to play to his strengths in order to get the best out of him. Getting a tune out of Miley in the second half of the season could well prove fundamentally important to Nicky Featherstone's success or failure in the dugout. Photo: Frank Reid