CRAIG Hignett is hoping the force is strong with Hartlepool United next weekend.

Pools go to Plymouth on the final day of the season, with their travelling supporters opting to go dressed as Stormtroopers for their annual fancy dress exploits.

It’s become tradition for fans to dress up en masse – with Pools making the news while their fans have been rastas, smurphs, oompa loompas, penguins, where’s Wally and Thunderbirds in recent seasons for the last away game.

This year, it’s Stormtroopers and Hignett, with his side facing Portsmouth at Victoria Park tomorrow in their final home game before making the haul to Cornwall, said: “Plymouth away is a great day – a highlight for me because I’m a massive Star Wars geek, and I’m half thinking of dressing like a Stormtrooper myself.

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“I’ll see what happens – it’s been an ambition of mine to get dressed up either as a Stormtrooper or Darth Vader, now it may be realised!’’

Supporter John Pearson, who organises the theme each year, said: “Two years ago we sent the Thunderbirds to offer Colin Cooper’s squad International Rescue at Plymouth.

“This year, with Plymouth potentially going for automatic promotion, it’s felt we need to send a stronger ‘force’ to match up to their Green Army!

“Stormtroopers have come close to making an appearance in the past but it’s topical at the moment and we feel like now is their time.”

Tomorrow’s game sees Paul Cook’s Pompey visit Victoria Park after they secured a play-off berth in midweek with a win at Wimbledon.

Plymouth could be playing for promotion next weekend, while the last two opponents – Oxford and Accrington

"All the games at the end of the season have meant something and that's good for me,’’ said Hignett. "I didn't want the season to peter out.

"We've lost the last two now and we need to get back on track.

"Our home form since February has been really good, just once since Notts County and that was Accrington.

"We've had good results at the Vic and I will be asking for the same type of performance and commitment and hopefully get the win.

"Paul has done well there and they are in with a real shout.

"Anyone can beat anyone in this division, I really believe that.

"Portsmouth got done three at York so there's no reason why we can't do it.

"I will be going into the game expecting to win it and hope the players are the same.

"Reputations count for nothing, it's how you play on the day that counts.’’

Pools will have Billy Paynter back in contention tomorrow. The top scorer has missed the last five games with a hamstring strain.

“I think we’ve a clean bill of health,’’ said Hignett. “Billy has trained, had a hard week, feels alright and will be back in contention.

“Billy coming back is a boost for everyone, he is important to how we play and when we have an off day in the final third he can get hold of the ball, let players join in and get us further up the pitch.

“But the lads have done great – we went to Morecambe without him and scored five, but struggled a bit at Notts County and Oxford in the final third, but it’s good to see for me what we have and what we need.’’