JAMES Brown will be absent from the Hartlepool United squad that heads off to Brighton this morning.

The forward, who has been playing an attacking role on the right wing in recent games, hobbled out of last week’s win over Tranmere with an ankle injury.

But he suffered a knock in training on Monday and has not been back on the practice pitches since.

Chris Turner will keep him back in the North-East for treatment and expects Brown to be fit for next weekend’s FA Cup tie with Kettering Town.

“Last Saturday we were panicking a little bit when he came off, but it was only a trapped nerve,’’ said Turner.

“Then he took a knock in training on Monday where he tweaked his knee.’’ Colin Larkin returns to the squad after a one-game injury- enforced absence and either he or Leon McSweeney will replace Brown on the flank.

After Pools and Kettering were unable to agree on ticket prices for next Saturday’s round one tie at Victoria Park, the FA fixed them at £14 adults and £7 concessions for all areas of the ground.

Pools were keen to reduce the prices in line with the recent Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie with Grimsby, but couldn’t strike an understanding with the opposition.