Hartlepool United v Northampton Town: Team News

Last updated : 26 February 2016 By County Ground

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Luke James should be back in contention when Hartlepool take on runaway leaders Northampton.

The on-loan striker missed last week's defeat at Luton with a thigh problem but is now back in training and expected to be available.

Midfielder Michael Woods is ruled out with the hamstring problem which kept him sidelined against the Hatters, but Dan Jones should be fit after a minor knee concern.

Fellow defender Michael Duckworth is recovering from hernia surgery and centre-back Harry Worley is short of match fitness after a knee operation.

Northampton midfielder John-Joe O'Toole could return to the squad for the trip to Victoria Park.

O'Toole missed Tuesday night's 2-1 win at York due to a thigh strain sustained in last Saturday's 1-0 victory over Wycombe.

Jason Taylor made his first Sky Bet League Two start since September 12 in place of O'Toole at Bootham Crescent and could yet retain his place after an impressive display.

Missing from the Cobblers line-up at Hartlepool, though, will be Marc Richards (Achilles) and Paul Corry (knee).