But the hugely-popular striker says: "If I can run, I'll play."

Town play host to the Pool revitalised by a second league win of the season, in which Akinfenwa scored his seventh of the campaign.

It is a scoring record that has taken the big number 10 to joint fourth in the Coca-Cola League One list.

But he is a doubt for the Friday night game with an injury originally sustained a fortnight ago.

"I've been struggling with my shin," confirmed Akinfenwa. "I picked up the problem at Huddersfield and it flares up after matches.

"We need to manage it right but it is very frustrating because when one thing clears up another thing seems to happen. The physio and I are working hard to manage it, though, and I really hope it won't keep me out of the Hartlepool game.

"If I can run, I'll try to play. I've sat down with the gaffer and we've talked about my rehab, but I'm enjoying myself at the moment and I just want to play."

Akinfenwa was glad of a breather on Saturday, being substituted off with 20 minutes left to play.

He used the example of the man who replaced him, Leon Constantine, to underline the strength in depth he feels the squad now has with everyone up to fitness.

"It shows the depth of the squad we've got now where a player of Leon Constantine's quality can come on to replace me," said Akinfenwa.

"On the bench on Saturday we had him, Ryan Gilligan and Giles Coke, so the squad is very strong at the moment."