HARTLEPOOL's injury problems continue to pile up, but John Askey hopes his side can reignite their season as the Pools boss prepares for his York City return.

Askey led York to promotion from the National League North but was surprisingly sacked the following season, before going on to join Pools.

He'll appreciate the good reception he'll get when he returns to York for the first time on Saturday, but his focus will be purely on Pools, who are four without a win and have slipped into the bottom half of the National League table.

Their case hasn't been helped by a string of injury setbacks and Hartlepool will be without both of their right-back options at York.

Charlie Seaman is dealing with a stomach issue while Bradford City loanee Luke Hendrie has been ruled out until the new year.

Alex Lacey is also out until next year, Harrogate Town loanee Joe Mattock was forced off last week and captain David Ferguson is suspended so will miss the reunion with his former club.

Josh Umerah is still out with an ankle injury, Joe Grey has been suffering with illness and Mitch Hancox can't feature against his parent club.

Askey told BBC Tees: "I've never come across it before where so many have got injured and they are are all different types of injury. Every injury we've had has been different."

Despite those problems, Askey hopes Pools can dig deep and spark their season back into life again.

He said:  "Two or three wins and you're back in among the play-offs and they're winnable games coming up. It will be a big crowd at York and it's a good opportunity to get the three points

"It just takes a bit of luck, just something to get the confidence going again."

York are 19th in the National League, four points adrift of Pools.

Askey said: "They have improved the last few weeks. They've spent heavily and were expected to do far better than they've been doing but I still think we'll have enough."

On his return to face his former club, Askey said: "It's a funny feeling.

"I had a good time there and the supporters and players were really good to me. When the game kicks off I won't think about it, I'll just think about us winning and if we come away with three points I'll be very happy and I'll wish York all the best in the future."