HARTLEPOOL United's hopes of reaching the third round of the FA Cup - and a possible glamour tie - last night received a massive boost, thanks to Ipswich boss Joe Royle.

Loan signing Dean McDonald has been given permission to play in Saturday's game with Tamworth at Victoria Park.

The striker was superb in last weekend's win at Bradford on his first start for Pool since his month-long move from Portman Road.

"Dean gives us something different,'' said boss Martin Scott, who will also have Thomas Butler available after suspension.

"He brings something different to our play. He is bright and lively and has a great touch.

"He was a big threat to the Bradford defence and we hope he can carry it on.''

Saturday's win put Pool in sniffing distance of a play-off spot and Chris Llewellyn, who formed an effective strike partnership with McDonald and will continue it against the Conference side on Saturday, believes the win proved Pool can't be written-off this season.

"Everybody was talking about Bradford as play-off contenders and we have gone there and got the result, so hopefully people will start taking us seriously now,'' admitted the Welsh international.

"The gaffer made a few changes and we were well aware of their record but we have a decent away record as well and we went there with no fear and went out and played.

"Myself and Dean only played together for half-an-hour in training, but it seemed to work well. We both had points to prove and wanted to show our worth to the team and hopefully we did that.''

Tamworth player-manager Mark Cooper is suffering from three cracked ribs, but is expected to play at Pool - one of 11 former clubs for the midfielder.

He has lost defender Aaron Brown to Reading since beating Bournemouth in the last round and said: "We know, like the Bournemouth game, that we have to be at 100 per cent and Hartlepool at only 70 per cent for something magical to happen.''

Cooper's side are currently fourth bottom of the Conference, with three away wins this season. They have sold 500 tickets so far.

Read more about Hartlepool here.