Hartlepool United are lifted by return of key defenders

The experienced centre-halves were absent as Pools were thumped 6-1 at Stevenage, but should be back for Saturday’s trip to Yeovil.

Pools were carved open as they surrendered at Stevenage, a result and performance which has led to a lot of soul searching and hard work on the club’s training pitches this week.

Speaking at his press conference this morning, boss Craig Hignett admitted: “We’ve had a reaction in training and we’ve been in all week. The lads were a bit subdued earlier in the week, but they are lifted now.

“We’ve laid down some principles, gone over some old stuff again, the reaction has been good.

“It was a result and performance which shocked me. It hurt. It’s not hard to put it to bed. You can’t dwell on it and there’s no hangover. The players know what is expected on Saturday.

“The disappointment for me was the manner of the defeat, giving up, I’ve not seen that since I came here.

“Energy levels and fitness levels have been good. On Saturday it was about desire and mental toughness and we were lacking.’’

Toto Nsiala is available after a one-game suspension for his red card in the draw with Newport two weeks ago, while goalkeeper Trevor Carson is also available after being on international duty with Northern Ireland.

“The ones out in training this week, a few bumps and bruises aside, have put it in and rightly so,’’ added Hignett. “They have come in for stick from all quarters and to lose six is not something a professional football team should do.

“It’s the job of the staff to get the players picked up and make them feel positive.

“We had a lot of people missing last week, no excuses as the players have been wanting a go, but we will have a full defensive four to call in this week.

“It’s the manner of it which got to me.

“Rob has trained all week, we assess Matty today and there’s one or two niggles. We will go 11 v 11 in training, have a look at things and go from there.’’