IN the absence of two centre-halves, Hartlepool United boss Craig Hignett needs Rob Jones to be fit this evening.

Pools take on Luton, as they seek a first win at the Northern Gas and Power Stadium this season.

But Matthew Bates isn’t ready as he is still suffering from a knock in the home game with Newport a month ago and Scott Harrison is suspended after being sent-off on Saturday at Plymouth.

Jones picked up a hip injury in the first half of the win at Yeovil a fortnight ago.

With Carl Magnay out through long-term injury, Hignett’s defensive resources are stretched, but the Pools boss is confident his side can build on Saturday’s display.

Pools were in command for long periods at Home Park, denied victory by a late penalty and Hignett said: “That was the best 45 we have put in, looked solid and dangerous and they ran out of ideas to play through us. We had a way of playing and it worked a treat.

“We got control early and I’ve got good players which I know. Since Stevenage they have put their minds at it and know what they are doing, you could see today how solid and disciplined we were and how they want to get into a shape.

“When it comes together like that we show what we can do.

“The disappointment is to come away with only a point after it should have been three and now we lose Scott for a game.

“It shows what we can do, that shows the standards and we have to play at that standard five games out of six. Get to that level and we aren’t scared of anyone in the league.’’

Pools have reverted to Hignett’s preferred three man midfield of late and key to the formation has been the impressive form of roaming midfielders Josh Laurent and Lewis Hawkins.

The former wasn’t necessarily expected to be part of the first team, but the signing from Brentford in January taken his chance.

The manager said: “Josh was outstanding again on Saturday, he’s come back pre-season a different player, he’s deserved his run, he’s getting better and better by the game, so much energy and ability. The lads are starting to liken him to Paul Pogba, but he’s probably in better form than Paul Pogba!’’

Pools lined up with a single striker on Saturday in Padraig Amond. His workrate was vital to the cause and the front man admitted: “The gaffer asked me to play up front on my own and it’s hard but I will do it for the team and work as hard as I could. Maybe it took a little bit away from me going forward, but maybe my running opening things up for other players.

“I’m willing to do whatever I can for the team and I want to stay in the team for as long as I can and the goals will come.

“This has set the standards. We were very good defensively and we looked good going forward, dangerous on the break. So far this season, early on we were free-flowing and a bit shaky at the back.

“Now we have changed things a bit and we have gone a bit more solid and catching teams on the break really well.

“We are at home Tuesday and we’ve been unlucky at home on occasions, just missing the odd chances or making the wrong decisions but putting in some decent performances. This is a big one for us and a tough one.’’