HARTLEPOOL United go into the play-offs against Cheltenham this weekend - but James Coppinger won't be involved.

The Newcastle man completed a three-month loan spell at Victoria Park after Saturday's win at Exeter, but won't be returning to Pool.

Coppinger was substituted at St James' Park in the second-half and Turner said: "James did well when he was here. When we signed him it was until April 20, which was the last game of the season, and I always knew that if we made the play-offs we would have to be without him.

"We had him for two months, but I did want to have a look at him for another four weeks and play him to see how he had developed.

"He played a few games and then I left him out because I thought he looked tired, but I needed that extra month to decide what I was going to do with him.

"I took him off at Exeter because I didn't feel anything came off for him.''

Coppinger's departure means Turner has a spot on the right wing to fill. Mark Tinkler failed to appear for training yesterday as Pool held an open training session at Victoria Park.

But the central midfielder remains hopeful of playing in Saturday's first-leg and if he is fit, Darrell Clarke could move to the wing.

Turner brought Adam Boyd on for Coppinger at Exeter and the highly-rated teenager is another option.

Tommy Widdrington was injured in the win over Scunthorpe in February and Turner initially hoped the midfielder could be fit if Pool were in the play-offs, but the former Southampton man is now aiming for a return next season. But there was some good news on the injury front for Turner with Micky Barron coming through training unscathed after having nine stitches inserted into a leg wound against Swansea ten days ago.

Tickets go on sale from 10am today to supporters with a ticket stub from the Swansea game and Turner said: "The fans have been brilliant to us all season.

"They have stayed with us all along, even when we were bottom of the League and we gave them something to celebrate by doing what we have done.

"I would love to see Victoria Park packed on Saturday and playing in front of a full ground will fire us up.''

Tickets also go on sale this morning for the away leg next Tuesday to season ticket holders.

Read more about Hartlepool here.