CRAIG Hignett admits he has been impressed with Gavan Holohan.

The midfielder scored on his Hartlepool United debut last weekend, putting an end to a frustrating period for the midfielder.

First he had to wait two weeks for international clearance to arrive from Ireland after leaving Waterford and then he needed time to build up his match-fitness.

Handed a start last weekend in the absence of the ill Liam Noble, Holohan netted Pools’ goal at Aldershot. He is in line to start against Halifax at the Super 6 Stadium tomorrow as he hopes for an extension to the deal he signed until the end of the season.

Hignett, speaking at his press conference this morning, said: "It hasn't been frustrating for him - he's just been trying to get fit.

"We have GPS and we have been able to see where he is with his fitness.

"Recently he has been appearing on the stats so I knew he was ready to come in, fit enough to play.

"For it being his first start since October, I thought he did very well. He could have scored a couple, got his goal.

"He wants to do well. He is hungry. And that's the type of people we want at this club.

"We want players who will run through brick walls for you. We had a gameplan and he stuck to it - that's what we want from players here.

"I want players to follow instructions and give 110% every time they pull on the shirt.’’

Josh Hawkes is unlikely to be risked as he recovers from a thigh problem, while Noble will return. Carl Magnay (knee) and Aaron Cunningham (ankle) are expected to miss out.