CRAIG HIGNETT is certain his players will be switched on and focused for the remainder of the season.

Hartlepool United take on Solihull Moors at the Super 6 Stadium on Saturday.

And, while the visitors are seeking promotion and the title, Pools are in mid-table with little chance of moving up or down in the last six games.

But with contracts up for renewal in the summer, Hignett feels some impressive individual displays can ensure his players have something to prove.

“It’s a challenge I have to deal with and it’s knowing how to get the best out of your players and what they respond to,’’ he said this morning at his press conference.

“The contract situation is something that will help me. In the next couple of weeks we’ll start talking to the players but I want the season to be done and dusted and I want us to be going the right way before any of that is sorted.

“It’s just about keeping them interested and keeping them involved and I think with our new system and how we’re playing they’re all enjoying it, and ultimately I think we are all enjoying the attacking element of it.’’

Pools lost at Eastleigh last weekend, only a second defeat in ten games under Hignett.

There’s a sharp atmosphere around the club now and the manager added: “As long as they enjoy what your doing they’ll be it in for you, and I’m the type of manager, I think, that players want to play for. I don’t shout and bawl at players unless it’s necessary.

“I like the players to feel good about themselves and enjoy it while playing with a smile on their face and that helps because the team spirit we have at the moment is fantastic. The vast amount of them are self motivated.

“The fans have been brilliant and since I’ve been in charge they’ve got behind the team and to be fair, I think it’s exciting to watch. We’ve got a young side with some good, young players. We’re playing exciting football and being involved in exciting games.

"Any fan just wants to see their team give 100 per cent and have a right go at teams, and that's what we have done. They want to see young kids enjoying themselves and getting an opportunity, and that’s what we are about.

"Young kids come in, play in our first team and then go on and be a player elsewhere and then the club obviously benefits from that.’’