Ollie Clarke doubtful as Bristol Rovers take on Scunthorpe
Posted Thursday, February 22, 2018 by PA
Bristol Rovers boss Darrell Clarke will be hoping for some good news on the fitness front ahead of the visit of stuttering promotion hopefuls Scunthorpe.
Midfielder Ollie Clarke was being monitored this week after suffering an ankle injury during last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at AFC Wimbledon, while full-backs Lee Brown and Daniel Leadbitter were both ruled out of that match.
Clarke is also likely to make changes in attack after describing his side’s forward play as “diabolical” against the Dons, with Rory Gaffney, Tom Nichols and Bernard Mensah options to come into the starting XI.
On-loan Stoke striker Dom Telford will also hope to have caught Clarke’s eye after netting twice for Rovers’ development squad in midweek – a match which saw defender James Clarke make his first appearance since August following a hamstring injury.
Scunthorpe manager Graham Alexander may also ring the changes after admitting his concern about the amount of goals his side are conceding.
The Iron have kept only one clean sheet in their last 16 matches in all competitions and, with on-loan Marnick Vermijl still sidelined through injury, the likes of Charlie Goode and Cameron Burgess could be drafted into defence.
Alexander may also have to make a switch up front with Ivan Toney a doubt after coming off during last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Northampton with a groin problem.
If he fails to make it, Tom Hopper – who replaced him in the second half against the Cobblers – could start as Scunthorpe go in search of only a second win in nine matches.
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