Nelson has over 300 appearances for the club in almost six years

Hartlepool United defender Michael Nelson believes the club have the advantage over their relegation rivals in the battle for League One survival.

Pools need a point at Bristol Rovers to clinch safety, while Northampton, Brighton and Carlisle must get results to avoid slipping into trouble.

"We can't worry about anybody else," he told BBC Tees.

"We'll watch the results come in during the week and go and play the game on Saturday looking to get a result."

Nelson came off the field at the end of Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Leeds with a cut above his eye, and gave way to winger Matty Robson going into the final moments of the match.

But the Gateshead-born defender is determined to be fit for the crucial fixture at the weekend, and finish the season on a high.

"I've got seven stitches, but the doctor said just to leave them in until next week," he said.

"If we put a performance in and grind out a result at Bristol then that'll be good enough."

Nelson has made more than 300 appearances in all competitions for the Teessiders since joining from Bury in June 2003.

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