Exeter City vs Hartlepool United FC - Ethan Ampadu may make his Football League debut

Ethan Ampadu could make his English Football League debut at home to Hartlepool while still a month short of his 16th birthday.

Wales Under-17 international Ampadu became Exeter's youngest-ever player - at 15 years and 331 days - when he produced a man-of-the-match performance in the 1-0 EFL Cup victory over Brentford in midweek.

Ampadu could retain his place in the Grecians' defence as Troy Brown remains doubtful with a thigh injury and Troy Archibald-Henville is not likely to return until Tuesday's visit of Crawley.

Exeter are likely to make a late check on Lee Holmes after the midfielder missed the Brentford win through injury.

Skipper Billy Paynter will return to the Hartlepool squad after missing the heartbreaking 1-0 EFL Cup defeat at Sky Bet Championship Preston through illness.

Paynter, who scored Pools' equaliser in last weekend's 1-1 opening-day draw with Colchester from the penalty spot, returns to contention with manager Craig Hignett reporting a clean bill of health.

Hignett made five changes for the trip to Deepdale and faces a series of tough decisions before he names his team.

However, the game is likely to come too early for central defender Scott Harrison, who rejoined the club on Thursday afternoon after being released at the end of last season.