MATTHEW BATES has praised the Hartlepool United faithful as they prepare for the biggest game in the club’s history.

As queues formed outside The Northern Gas and Power Stadium this morning ahead of Saturday’s must-win game with Doncaster, Bates had a message for the fans.

Pools are set for a sell-out in game they have to win and hope Newport fail to beat Notts County to save their Football League future.

And stand-in boss Bates said: “The fans are brilliant, I said last weekend for them to stay back like they did at Cheltenham and applaud us was remarkable. The effort the lads put in was appreciated.

“They will be behind us, an electric atmosphere, the biggest crowd since I’ve came here. It’s important to start well. Keep that level up and the fans will be with us for 90 minutes.’’

Bates has almost everyone fit and available for the 5.30pm kick-off.

With Billy Paynter, Stuart Parnaby and Ian Gallagher forming a managerial team with Bates, the boss said: “We try to pick a team to win the weekend, it’s a good headache to have with options.

“We are all singing from the same hymn sheet, we know what we want to do, we all think the same way to come up with a team for the weekend.

“Liam Donnelly is back from suspension, Kenton Richardson will probably miss out. Apart from that it’s a full squad with options.’’

Nathan Thomas should be fine after being replaced last weekend at Cheltenham in the second half and Bates added: "He's been struggling with his knee a little bit. But he' train today and I think he'll be OK for Saturday."

"It's a tough decision with a Liam and Jordan (Richards) back, we've not decided what we are going to do yet."

The club’s ticket office is open until 6pm today and 9am to 5.30pm tomorrow. Tickets are £5 and must be bought in advance.