Northampton midfielder Giles Coke could return to the starting line-up against Hartlepool after recovering from a hernia operation.Coke came on in the 3-0 defeat at Leeds last Saturday and further boosted his fitness with a 90 minute run out for the reserves in midweek.

Town boss Stuart Gray could also welcome back Ryan Gilligan who also played a full 90 minutes in the reserve fixture.

Gray told the club's official website: "Giles Coke is definitely in contention for Saturday. Ryan has had a scan on his knee and although it showed up a bit of bruising thankfully there was no serious damage.

"With Bradley Johnson going a position has obviously opened up in the midfield but whether it is Giles, Ryan or whoever that comes into fill the gap I want people champing at the bit and fighting to get into the team."

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