Hartlepool United FC vs Leyton Orient - Nicky Featherstone back to boost Hartlepool

Nicky Featherstone will return to the Hartlepool squad for the Sky Bet League Two clash with Leyton Orient after completing a three-match ban.

Featherstone sat out the clashes with Grimsby, Crawley and Carlisle following his red card against Luton on September 27, but is available once again.

Fellow midfielder Michael Woods is also back in contention after returning from an Achilles problem as a substitute in the 3-2 defeat at Carlisle last weekend.

However, the game is likely to come too soon for defenders Matthew Bates and Rob Jones, who continue their respective recoveries from bone bruising and hip injuries.

Orient midfielder Robbie Weir is available again after serving a three-match suspension for a red card received against Plymouth last month.

Striker Harry Cornick, however, is out with a groin strain and defender Liam Kelly remains sidelined with a torn hamstring.

Kelly underwent surgery this week and is expected to be out for around four months.

Midfielder Nigel Antangana is likely to start again after recovering from a groin problem and coming through 76 minutes unscathed against Luton last week.