HARTLEPOOL boss John Askey says he'd be open to the idea of adding to his squad if possible but doesn't think he'll be able to find any free agents at this stage of the season who could come in and make a major impact in the League Two survival scrap.

Former manager Keith Curle signed 15 players during his time in charge of Pools and Askey would welcome further additions, but says finding good freebies so late in the campaign is easier said than done.

"We're looking," said Askey.

"We have to be looking in the position we're in. If someone is available who we think we can improve it (we'll try and sign them), but it's very unlikely at this stage of the season you'll get someone who can improve it, so it's mainly working with what we've got."

Hartlepool host promotion chasing Northampton on Saturday (3pm) as Askey looks to extend his unbeaten start to three games. The two draws against Walsall and Tranmere were decent enough results on paper but with Pools sitting just three points above the drop zone, Askey knows it's wins that his side need.

Sutton United did Pools a favour in midweek when they beat 23rd-placed Crawley, who now have two games in hand on Askey's side.

"Every game is like a cup final for us now," said the Pools boss, who could welcome Tom Crawford and Josh Umerah back into his squad on Saturday.

"It doesn't matter who we're playing in this league, if the lads play at their maximum we have a great chance of winning the game, especially at home. We have to start bright and get the crowd going.

"Historically Hartlepool has been a hard place to come for away teams and one of the reasons is the support. The players have to play their part as well. They need to give the fans something to shout about. If we can do that, start bright, put the opposition under pressure, we know the supporters will get behind them.

"It doesn't matter who you play against, you as an individual have to make sure you're right mentally and give everything you can.

"We have to be positive. We've had two decent results and a decent performance on Saturday."

Askey has noticed a lift in his players in training since his appointment.

He told BBC Tees: "There has been this week. A new manager coming in changes things slightly but that only stays if you get results. Hopefully we can get a result Saturday and maintain that momentum."