WHEN Hartlepool United went to Mansfield Town last November they were tormented by Nathan Thomas. When Mansfield Town went to Hartlepool United last season they were tormented by Nathan Thomas.

Pools take on the Stags today at the Northern Gas and Power Stadium with Thomas starting on the back of two goals in victory at Yeovil.

Hignett warned: “Nathan was great last week, we have to look after him and I hope he doesn’t think football is easy after what he did last week – the minute he does that then we get a bad performance from him.’’

Thomas was a constant menace last season against his former club, before he was replaced on the hour mark as things were getting a bit heated, with the winger irritating old team-mates and supporters alike.

The Pools boss admitted that a word in Thomas’ ear will be on the cards this afternoon.

He said: “It’s a fine act between telling him how good he is and making sure it’s about this Saturday. I want him to do well, I want him to push on and the better he does, the better for the club.

“He has that in his locker, to turn a game in ten minutes. At the same token he can lose a game if he switches off and doesn’t track his runners.

“He has an important job to do defensively and he knows that. He knows what he needs to add to his games – do that and he can play Premier League, no doubt.

"We got a pen early doors, went in front and the reaction was a bit stupid, but maybe that's out of the system now.

"He's got a career going well here, that sort of thing he doesn't need to do.

"I want him to be professional, do things properly, he's not a pub player, he doesn't have to react like that.

"Show a little bit of class that will be the message we'll be giving him."

Hignett lined up with three centre-halves last week, seven days after folding and conceding six at Stevenage.

He’s likely to revert a defensive four today, and that means a return for Lewis Alessandra.

He appeared as a second-half substitute last weekend, and Hignett has been impressed with his summer recruit.

"He made a big difference last week,’’ reflected Hignett. “He's clever, he's a good footballer.

"It's a problem that if I play with three at the back one of the strikers misses out.

"Last week it was a straight choice between Billy and Podge and a choice between Lewie and Nath.

"As it was, Billy is struggling a bit with his calf, that's why he didn't warm up, he just sat on the bench.

"On the morning he felt his calf stiffen up and I didn't feel we should take a risk.

"With Nath and Lewie, Nat scored the week before and he's a bit of a streak player.

"We put him in and it was the right decision. Lewie had played all the games, he even started the Checkatrade Trophy, so maybe a rest did him good.’’

Matthew Bates (ankle), Michael Woods and Jake Carroll were all missing last week and are likely to be absent again today.

But Hignett is happy with the depth of his squad and, while Mansfield have only 15 fit players today, Hignett said: “Having players back gives us options and I felt Lewis Hawkins and Josh Laurent did well last week, they get about the pitch and are energetic with ability too.

“I have options – Woodsy missed last week, Nicky Deverdics is pushing and training well. Players can come in and make a difference. What type of team and midfield do I want? Go forward and crate things, while at the same time being safe and solid at the back.’’

A collection will be held in the Corner Flag club today to raise funds for Bradley Lowery, the Blackhall youngster who needs cancer treatment in the USA.

A new supporters group - the Friends of HUFC 1908 - is being formed with the aim of raising funds for the club's youth development, and they will be holding their first meeting in the Corner Flag on October 6 at 7pm. Leaflets will be handed out at today's game and more info is available by emailing ta.norman@btinternet.net