Carlisle vs Hartlepool United FC - Luis Pedro likely to make his first Carlisle start against Hartlepool

Carlisle could hand a first start to Luis Pedro in their Sky Bet League Two game against in-form Hartlepool.

The winger missed the trip to Portsmouth at the weekend as he continued to work on his fitness, but manager Keith Curle has said he will be in contention to make his first start following his short-term move.

There are still injury concerns over Steven Rigg however, with the forward still absent following a groin injury suffered in March.

Alex McQueen (also thigh) could return after almost a month out and Curle publicly backed keeper Mark Gillespie to recover from an error which cost the Cumbrians two points against Portsmouth.

Hartlepool manager Craig Hignett has the luxury of an injury-free side following a run of seven games unbeaten.

Pools travel to Carlisle having named an unchanged line-up for six successive games, and Hignett is likely to keep the faith after the 2-1 win over Mansfield saw them move further clear of the bottom two.

One player who is hoping to break into the side however is midfielder Michael Woods, who may be restored to the side after impressing from the bench in recent weeks.

Michael Duckworth is likely to remain absent as he continues his comeback from a hernia, while Harry Worley took a knock to the knee in action for the reserves and will miss the trip.