Keith Curle says it's time Hartlepool United repay their fans and give them something to shout about, as his side go in search of a place in the third round of the FA Cup.

Pools are propping up the table but can briefly forget their League Two concerns as they host Harrogate Town in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off).

Despite the side’s struggles so far this season, Hartlepool's fans have stuck with them and Curle now wants his players to show their appreciation with performances on the pitch.

He says: "We need to get the place bouncing. The supporters have done their bit, now we need to pay them back and give them something to cheer about. That means results, performance, effort, commitment, desire, application, aggression, quality - that will maintain the support levels we know this club has.

"One of the positives is the support we're getting. We know we haven't delivered on enough occasions. There are glimpses and we've shown signs of what we're trying to achieve, but we understand we need to give the supporters more."

Pools and Harrogate know each other well having already met in the league and Football League Trophy this season.

Curle told BBC Tees: "There won't be many surprises with personnel or selections.

"It's another opportunity to progress. The drama and excitement of the last round was excellent, but however you do it, it's all about being in the hat for the next round.

"There is a financial reward for progressing in the cup as well. I don't know any club in League Two, League One or the Championship that will turn down the opportunity of a windfall. It's a bonus."

Josh Umerah will return to the squad after missing the Barrow defeat due to suspension, but Pools will still be without a host of players.

Jamie Sterry and Alex Lacey are out with long-term injuries, while Tom Crawford has recently undergone surgery.

Mohamed Niang, Rollin Menayese, and Mark Shelton are closing in on a return to action but today's game comes too soon.

As he looks to strengthen his squad, Curle continues to monitor the market ahead of the January window.

He said: "The wheels are in motion to improve the football department. That's always the case and exactly the same whether you're in the relegation zone, in mid-table, in the play-offs or top of the league, you're always striving to improve. It's the same in every division for every manager."