GRAEME LEE is targeting another cup upset when his Hartlepool United side host Championship side Blackpool in the FA Cup third round this lunchtime.

Pools have been on a giant-killing spree in this season’s Papa John’s Trophy, knocking out League One duo Sheffield Wednesday and Bolton Wanderers to set up a quarter-final tie with Charlton Athletic.

They have been equally as effective in the FA Cup, with victories over two more League One sides, Wycombe Wanderers and Lincoln City, setting up today’s game with a Blackpool side sitting in 12th position in the second tier.

Lee accepts his players will have to raise their standards again to deal with Championship opposition, but having enjoyed some notable FA Cup victories himself as a player, the Pools boss sees no reason why they cannot spring another surprise.

“It is (a free hit) in the sense that you’re going into a game against a team from two leagues above,” said Lee. “It’s the games against League One teams where you’re not the favourites so you look at it and think, ‘We’ve got nothing to lose, so let’s go and give everything we can and see what happens’.

“We still want to be confident. We’re at home, we want to go into the game with that belief that we’ve got a chance of winning, and that’s the mentality.

“I think for the lads, going into these occasions just gives them a lease of life.

"It gives them a break from the league and it’s something where they can go into it where the pressure is more on the opposition.”

Pools have been offered the opportunity to sign Callum Roberts from National League side Notts County, but at this stage, Lee says he has not made an approach for the former Newcastle United trainee.

“I know Callum,” said Lee. “But I think Callum has just been linked because Notts County have put him out there or made him available.

“I think there’s offers already gone in for him, but not at the moment (from Pools). His name has been put to us, but that’s as far as that one goes.”

Pools are in discussions with goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell after his short-term contract expired at the turn of the year.

“His contract was up,” said Lee. “We’ve made an offer to him, and he’s having a discussion and has a decision to make whether he wants to take that up.

"It’s in Jonno’s hands at the moment, so we’re just waiting for an answer.”