HARTLEPOOL United assistant manager Martin Scott wants to see his squad players make the most of their opportunities.

Pool are without Mark Tinkler and Chris Westwood for the weekend trip to Port Vale and Antony Sweeney is also a major doubt.

Tinkler will be out for three weeks with a calf strain, Westwood is suffering from a hamstring strain, while Sweeney took a blow to the head and is also struggling with a muscle strain.

The three - along with Micky Nelson, who took a knock to the head - were injured in Tuesday's defeat by Luton Town at Victoria Park, Pool's first league defeat since December 2 and the first at home this season, following on from Saturday's FA Cup exit at home to Bournemouth.

Scott said: "We're certainly going to be without two and just when things are looking strong and players are fit and available, one game can knock you,'' said Scott.

"But we've a squad for exactly that reason and it will give an opportunity to one or two other people. Now it's up to them.

"We lost on Tuesday to a good team. I thought in the game down there we played very well in the first half and then gave away a couple of slack goals.

"We started very well this time, but I think they are a better team than the one we played earlier in the season. They were strong and worked ever so hard. It showed why they are top of the league. It's disappointing to lose two games at home in a row like we have.

"But we are nine points better off at this stage of the season than we were last year (52 points compared with 43). We have 16 games to go, so let's have a good go at it.''

Scott's reserve team yesterday drew 1-1 with Sheffield United in a fiery encounter when The Blades had two players dismissed for violent conduct.

Pool fell a goal behind, but levelled through Steven Istead.

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