MARK Tinkler's appeal against his weekend dismissal will be heard today.

Both the Hartlepool United midfielder and MK Dons' substitute Aaron Wilbraham were red carded in the closing minutes of Saturday's game.

But Pool and the MK Dons have asked the FA to reconsider the double dismissal and have supplied video evidence to support their claim.

Neither Tinkler, a club representative or referee Colin Webster - who issued the card - is allowed to attend the hearing and the claim is determined on written and video evidence only.

As it stands, Pool boss Martin Scott will be without Micky Nelson, Ben Clark and Tinkler for Saturday's trip to Port Vale. All have been dismissed in Pool's last three games and each received a three-game ban.

After being unable to try and get Clark's suspension chalked off because Scunthorpe failed to video the game, Pool are hopeful of having Tinkler available this weekend.

One midfielder Scott will have at his disposal is Darrell Clarke. He has just spent a month on loan at Port Vale and is now back at Victoria Park.

Clark played just one minute for Vale during his loan spell, appearing as an 89th minute substitute against Walsall. However, Vale boss Martin Foyle has indicated he is keen on signing the midfielder next summer.

After last season was written off by two knee injuries, Clark was hoping to get into Scott's plans this season, but he has yet to be included in a first-team squad.

He will play for the reserves in tomorrow night's game with Doncaster at Billingham Town.

"Darrell's back with us and I'm sure he can give us a few pointers to Port Vale,'' said Scott.

* Comeback kids Brian Close and Clark Keltie will end their injury exile when they return to action for Darlington reserves today.

The duo will make their first appearances of the season against Scunthorpe United's second string after lengthy injury lay-offs.

Keltie has not kicked a ball since January with knee and ankle injuries, while Close has been sidelined since undergoing ankle surgery during the summer.

Manager David Hodgson will run the rule over the pair, although neither will come into contention for Saturday's trip to Wrexham.

"They've not had the best of times and it's important we are careful with them both," said Hodgson. "They just need games under their belt, but it's important that we don't rush them back."

Keltie suffered cruciate knee ligament damage in January. But, despite returning to training in August, the 22-year-old suffered a fresh setback at the beginning of the season when he picked up an ankle injury.

With Keltie's contract due to expire at the end of the year, he will be setting out to prove his worth to Hodgson.

"Clark has been on fire in training and it's up to him to bury his demons," said Hodgson. "He's a great lad and I hope for his sake he does the business when he's fit again."

The availability of Close will also come as a major boost. The 23-year-old was an integral part of Hodgson's side last season. And, with Phil Stamp nearing full fitness, Hodgson is relishing the prospect of Close and Stamp playing in the same midfield.

"We've lacked steel and determination at times this season, which is exactly what both players bring," said Hodgson.

Today's game at the Darlington Football Stadium, which kicks off at 2pm, was put back 24 hours after heavy rain.

Clyde Wijnhard will be available to play against Darlington for Macclesfield next month. The striker was sacked by Quakers this month. Darlington withheld Wijnhard's registration details, allowing the Dutchman to join the Silkmen on loan.

"It wouldn't be right of us not to let Clyde play after sacking him," said Hodgson. "We can't have the best of both worlds.

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