Cheltenham manager Keith Downing is expected to welcome back Damian Spencer for the visit of Hartlepool to Whaddon Road.The Robins striker has missed the last two games with a virus but has declared himself fit to face Pools.

Another player who has recently been struggling with the same problem, Ashley Vincent, could return with the forward set to train on Friday, but Michael Townsend (illness) is still out of action.

Long-term absentee Shane Duff (Achilles) built up his match fitness by turning out for the reserves in midweek but it remains to be seen whether he will be included in Downing's squad this weekend.

Skipper John Finnigan has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Finnigan has spent much of the campaign sidelined with a foot problem but as a result of over-compensating for it now has an ankle injury.

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