CRAIG Hignett is certain his attacking players will be ready to start the season with a bang, despite a 0-0 draw on Saturday.

Hartlepool United travelled to Livingston and played out a stalemate with the Scottish League One side.

They also failed to score against Sunderland in a friendly last week, but Hignett is unconcerned.

“We got a lot out of it, a competitive game against a team who have played more games than us and are ahead of us fitness-wide,’’ said the manager.

“I was pleased with what I saw. We were a bit leggy at first but then controlled the game. The disappointment was in the final third when we picked the wrong passes out.

“Let’s get the 0-0 games out of the way in pre-season. We are chopping and changing teams and players, and it’s about getting minutes in the legs.

“We controlled this game well, but it was hard for us. There’s things to work on, but things I’m pleased with.

“It was a decent test, a measure to see where we are with our fitness.

“We will work on the final third in the next week or so and we will be ready for the opening day.’’

Former Fulham defender Liam Donnelly was given 90 minutes on trial, while Scott Harrison also had 45 minutes. Hignett is seeking another centre-half and is likely to decide between the pair who stays on.

Pools play two games tomorrow night, with the squad split in two, as they go to both Seaham and Guisborough, before they meet Scunthorpe at Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon before the season starts seven days later at home to Colchester United.

Pools: Bartlett, Magnay (Harrison 45), Donnelly, Nsiala (Bates 45), Carroll (Richards 62), Featherstone (Green 70), Hawkins, Deverdics (Laurent 45), Alessandra (Woods 45), Paynter (Amond 45), Thomas (Oates 62).