MARCO GABBIADINI has his sights set on a return to action on the big stage - against a Premiership side in the third round of the FA Cup on January 3.

Hartlepool go to Burton Albion on Sunday in the second round without the experience of the ex-Sunderland and Darlington striker after his knee surgery.

He is back to see the specialist today and is backing his teammates to overcome Nigel Clough's side in front of the BBC cameras.

Gabbiadini netted twice in the last round to put Pool on their way to a 4-0 win over Whitby and he said: "I had a bit of a problem with my knee and went to see a specialist who, fortunately, had me in for keyhole surgery the next day.

"He washed it out and trimmed a bit of the cartilage off, which I've had done before, but I'm going to be out for three to four weeks."

Gabbiadini will miss out on a reunion with former Derby teammate Darren Wassall.

He has been a regular in the Burton defence and Gabbiadini said: "It's a big tie for them as they've pulled out a decent League club and we are hoping to do the same in the next round when the bigger clubs come in.

"But we are wary of being the victims of a giant-killing act.

"We played a non-league side in the last round and dealt with them and we've got to go into the game in the right manner.

"The lads have a lot of respect for teams below us. There are a lot of very good players outside the League now and Burton have got some well-known names turning out for them.

"Hopefully, our full-time training and things that go with that will come to the fore.

"It would be devastating if we did not get into the next round. Hopefully, we will and draw a top team in the next round.''

Pool currently sit in a healthy fifth spot in the table and Gabbiadini added: "We have had a good start to the season and have hardly been out of the top eight.

"We've not strung together a run which would take us to the top of the table but we've not lost games on the trot either.

"If we've had a bad performance, we have bounced back very quickly.

"I would have to put us down for a 2-1 win then we'll get a big side in the next round - and, hopefully, I will be fit."

Nigel Clough posed for photographs alongside his father Brian with the FA Cup yesterday.

The legendary Clough snr never got his hands on the trophy as a manager or player.

But he will be a big attraction on Sunday and Nigel said: "He will be there. He still has some emotional ties with Hartlepool, but hopefully he will be cheering us on.''

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