Hartlepool United FC vs Portsmouth preview - Pools hopeful over Wyke fitness

Posted Friday, September 26, 2014 by PA

Hartlepool's on-loan striker Charlie Wyke is expected to return to the starting line-up against Portsmouth.

Wyke, whose loan spell from Middlesbrough has been extended to mid-November, missed last week's defeat at Plymouth with concussion.

Defender Michael Duckworth is pushing for a recall to the starting XI. The left-back was an unused substitute last week following his return from a hamstring injury.

Manager Colin Cooper, whose side are chasing their first win in four games, will be without Stuart Parnaby again as the defender waits for the results of his knee scan.

Michael Drennan has been added to the Pompey squad after rejoining the club on Wednesday.

The striker, who scored three goals in 10 appearances while on loan from Aston Villa last season, has agreed another one-month deal to return to the south coast.

Winger Ricky Holmes (back), midfielder Nigel Atangana (hamstring) and forward Nick Awford (shoulder) played for the reserves in midweek to prove their fitness after recent lay-offs and are back in contention.

Skipper Ben Chorley is also back in training after a calf injury, but the trip will probably come too soon for the defender.