Bristol Rovers

Following Saturday’s win at AFC Telford United Rovers boss Darrell Clarke may be without Neal Trotman for the clubs next game but could have Stuart Sinclair back for the game with Tranmere.

“It is too early to assess Neal [Trotman] just yet but we do have Stuart Sinclair back into full training which will be a boost to everyone.

“Angelo [Balanta] should also be joining in training the back end of this week.

“We’ve also got Ryan Brunt back available after his loan spell at York where he got valuable minutes under his belt so I’m sure he will be part of the squad at the weekend.

Rovers have been without Stuart Sinclair for a number of weeks due to a knee injury and the manager is looking forward to having him back in the squad.

“Stuart Sinclair is a fantastic player who has done great at this football club and he started the season very well but the lads that have been in the side when he has been injured have been brilliant.

“I’ve said all along that it is a squad game and Stuart is a vital part of this squad.

“His energy levels are always fantastic and it will be great to have him 100% and available for selection again.

Ollie Clarke scored the only goal of the game against Telford for the second time this season and Darrel says that Clarke’s goals have been vital to the team.

“I thought Ollie [Clarke] was immense on Saturday, if you look at his goals, he has scored the winner against Telford twice and scored a great goal at Eastleigh.

“You could say that Ollie’s goals have got us 7 points, obviously more goes into it than just that but they are 3 massive goals that he has scored for us.

“It’s pleasing to see Ollie doing well because he was distraught at the end of last season, he just wants to see this club doing well.

Bristol Rovers had midfielder Andy Monkhouse sent off in Saturday’s game which the club have appealed.

“I’ve looked at it again and there is no intent there as far as I’m concerned.

“Both players have jumped for the ball and Monkhouse is looking at the ball the whole time.It’s not in the player’s nature to be like that.

“We’ve appealed the red card and we should find out later today if the appeal was successful or not.

Darrell arranged a reserve team game at the clubs training ground yesterday and stressed that it was a vital run out for some of his players.

“It was a really good game yesterday, it was really good to get some minutes into some of the lads that haven’t featured as much this season.

“The game was very competitive and was played in the right spirit and I really enjoyed it.

Up next for Rovers is a return to FA Cup action as they travel to Prenton Park to take on Tranmere and Darrell says he is excited about the prospect of playing higher league opposition.

“We’re really looking forward to it, it will be a good test for ourselves. It’s a shame for our supporters having to travel all that way but I’m sure we will take a good crowd up there as we always do.

“The pressure is off as they are in the division above and it makes a change because we won’t get many of them this season.