Hartlepool are hoping to have Sam Collins available for Tuesday's visit of Port Vale as they await news as to whether his ban will stand.The defender was shown a straight red card for allegedly elbowing Southend striker Lee Barnard in last weekend's 2-1 League One defeat at Roots Hall and is set to serve a three-match suspension for violent conduct.

However, Pools have decided to appeal against the decision and should find out before the midweek fixture whether the ban has been rescinded.

The Vale clash comes too soon for defender Ben Clark, who is still struggling with a groin injury, but he may come into contention for Saturday's trip to Cheltenham.

Striker James Brown is also unavailable as he remains sidelined for the remainder of the month due to a knee ligament injury sustained against Luton.

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