Mark Cooper has warned Barrow AFC not to expect an FA Cup hangover from Hartlepool United tonight.

The Bluebirds head to the north east hoping to take further steps away from League Two trouble (Suits Direct Stadium, 7.45pm).

Hosts Hartlepool are back in league action after their impressive cup run came to an end at the hands of Premier League side Crystal Palace on Saturday.

And AFC boss Cooper has dismissed the idea that Pools could be feeling the after-effects of their physical and emotional exertions in the knockout competition.

“That would be nice – but I doubt that will happen, knowing their staff,” Cooper said.

“[Manager] Graeme Lee, who I know well, will ensure they will be right at it.

“We have to be at it again. To get results at this level you have to compete in every game.”

Four points from their last two games have given Barrow a timely lift and a win tonight would see them leapfrog 17th-placed Pools.

There is a full programme of League Two football tonight and Cooper’s side are aiming to build on Saturday’s fightback for a point against Tranmere, following the win at Northampton.

“Every game is an opportunity,” Cooper told the BBC. “It’s the nature of the level – in League Two, every game you have a realistic opportunity to get points.

“Hartlepool have been away in the FA Cup and had a fantastic day in terms of playing against a Premier League team.

“It’s back to League Two on Tuesday and we have to go there full of confidence. I’m sure they are, because they’ve got a good home record.”

Indeed, Pools have won seven, drawn four and lost two at Victoria Park, in contrast to an away record that has brought just one win and three draws from 14 games.

The Bluebirds are set to be without Tom Beadling to a groin injury, which could give new signing Niall Canavan the chance of a first start, but Robbie Gotts is set to return to the squad.

Cooper’s side have benefited from the experience of players such as Jason Taylor, Ollie Banks and new boys John Rooney and Aaron Amadi-Holloway in recent games.

The manager admits that has come at the expense of younger players such as loan strikers Will Harris and Jacob Wakeling.

But he says the duo can still play their part.

“The important thing was us trying to find a way to make it a better environment for the players, in terms of clarity of thinking of what we’re trying to do,” Cooper added.

“We had to sacrifice some principles, be a bit more front foot and pick a team that enables us to do that better.

“The two young boys who’ve come in on loan have not featured as much, but we want to make it a better environment for them, and to do that we have to find a way to gain confidence and results, to get away from the bottom so we can get them some game time.”