Joel Porter has been ruled out of Hartlepool`s trip to Bristol Rovers with a hamstring strain.

That means the Australian forward has played his last game for the club after confirming he has signed a three-year contract with A-League side Gold Coast United.

Director of sport Chris Turner has been handed some better news, though, with skipper Michael Nelson expected to recover from a head knock in time to play.

Nelson suffered the injury in the closing stages of last weekend`s 1-0 defeat at home to Leeds and required seven stitches in the wound.

Turner has no more fresh concerns for a game which could still see his side relegated. Pools need a point to ensure their safety in League One, although fourth-bottom Carlisle`s goal difference is poor in comparison.

Hartlepool would also survive if Northampton lost at Leeds or Brighton lost at home to Stockport.