Craig Hignett: Hartlepool United boss warns against 'end-of-season mentality'

Craig Hignett was appointed Hartlepool United boss after Ronnie Moore was sacked in February

Hartlepool United manager Craig Hignett says some of his squad will have to fight to keep their places at the club.

Pools confirmed their place in League Two next season when they thrashed Morecambe 5-2 on 11 April.

"All these lads who haven't figured are fighting for futures, it's up to them to make me see they are worth a go next year," Hignett told BBC Tees.

"I won't stand for an end-of-season mentality where we're coasting and everyone wants to go on holiday."

He continued: "The message all along has been train well and you will get a chance at some stage between now and the end of the season. It's up to them to make sure they're ready when that chance comes."

Hignett's side, who have won seven of their last 12 matches to rise to 16th in the table, face promotion-chasers Oxford United, Portsmouth and Plymouth Argyle in their last three games of the season.

"I know in my mind where I am at the moment but the season doesn't end until the three games are out of the way and I'll be assessing right up until the last game," he said.

"Everything is geared towards next season. When I came in the first job was to get us safe, we did that and the next job was to build the club so we are solid and ready for next season.

"I'm not bothered what other teams do. It's about what we do and how we approach it and the frame of mind we go into it in. I know if we're on it, we're a match for anyone in this league."