Hartlepool travel to Crewe on Saturday afternoon with manager Danny Wilson unable to call upon the services of defender Jamie McCunnie.McCunnie was sent off in last Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Tranmere and must now serve a one-match ban, with his enforced absence potentially paving the way for either Godwin Antwi or Antony Sweeney to start at right-back.

Fellow defender Sam Collins is also rated as doubtful after sustaining a calf injury against Rovers and the former Hull man faces a late fitness test.

Ben Clark could come into contention if Collins misses out while influential striker Richard Barker (knee) returned to training this week and could be a surprise inclusion in Wilson's squad.

Striker James Brown made his return from a knee injury for the reserves in midweek after a six-week spell on the sidelines, but the game at Gresty Road is expected to come too soon for the 21-year-old.

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