Bristol Rovers vs Oxford United preview - Bristol Rovers boss Darrell Clarke pinning his hopes on Ellis Harrison

Posted Saturday, September 05, 2015 by PA

Bristol Rovers boss Darrell Clarke is hopeful of having Ellis Harrison available for Sunday's visit of Oxford.

The striker is with the Wales Under-21 squad, who played on Friday night, but will link up with Rovers ahead of their League Two clash.

Gibraltar international Jake Gosling will still be away while Clarke has to decide whether to keep Tyler Little in his starting line-up after the young defender was replaced at half-time on his debut in the defeat to Leyton Orient last weekend.

"I might have to do a little bit of man-management with Tyler but I believe he has a very bright future in front of him and he will learn from it," Clarke told the club's official website.

Oxford are without goalkeeper Max Crocombe and midfielder Callum O'Dowda for the trip to the Memorial Stadium.

The pair are away on international duty with Crocombe having been called up by New Zealand and O'Dowda away with the Republic of Ireland Under-21s.

Manager Michael Appleton did not make any further additions before Tuesday's transfer deadline but is still looking for a back-up goalkeeper and could bring in a free agent.

Defender Sam Long is sidelined with an ankle injury.