HARTLEPOOL United will know today the extent of work needed to ensure the Mill House Stand is open for next Monday's Worthington Cup clash with Nottingham Forest.

Pool chiefs meet with the Safety Advisory Committee this afternoon when they will discuss what measures need to be taken to allow fans back into the stand.

And club spokesman Paul Mullen admitted that the club remain unclear about how much work needs to be undertaken before the Forest clash, which is being screened live on ITV Sport, a digital channel.

"It's in our best interests that for the clash we have all sides of Victoria Park open," said Mullen, who knows Pool had to reduce the ground's capacity to 3,945 for Saturday's visit of Mansfield Town.

"We will know better this afternoon, but I could not say how much we have to do to re-open the Mill House Stand."

Meanwhile, Pool's goal-hero, Ian Clark, is now firmly focused on Saturday's clash with Shrewsbury Town - and he admits hitting the back of the net again would be nice.

The attack-minded wing-back popped up in the right place at the right time to save Pool from defeat to Mansfield Town over the weekend, and now he is determined to keep on the goal trail.

And Clark, who has been named the club's new penalty-kick taker following the departure of Tommy Miller to Ipswich Town, is determined to make a name for himself in the process.

"I should get a few more goals this year because the gaffer has said to me that I can take spot-kicks," said Clark.

"I'm determined to take that chance because I'm confident of scoring whenever I walk up to take one."

At 1-0, time was running out for Pool against Mansfield when Clark turned in a Mark Tinkler cross on 78 minutes to ensure both sides shared the points.

And the Stockton-born 26-year-old revealed that he was as relieved as the supporters to see the ball roll beyond keeper Kevin Pilkington's outstretched right-hand.

"There's always an element of relief when you score a goal," said Clark. "But I felt it as much as the fans against Mansfield.

"With all the hype that has been surrounding us at the start of the season it was good that we did not lose our first match.

"At least now we can go to Shrewsbury on the back of a draw, it's better than going there after a defeat. Now we can continue to work on things in training and make sure we keep improving.

"There are four new players at this club and it will take a bit of time for us to totally gel.

"Any clubs who bring in new players are going to need a little time, but we will come good.

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