It may seem strange to say that a week with an EFL Trophy trip to the team 22nd in League Two and an FA Cup tie against a non-league side is a big one for Bristol Rovers, but for several of Joey Barton's players, it could be a crucial audition for a variety of reasons as the January transfer window looms.
Not in the sense of putting themselves in the shop window, but competition for places in Barton's squad is growing and the manager is sure to want to make at least one or two additions in the transfer market. Barton has proved before he is not one for sentiment and he will make the tough calls as he sees fit.
And the queue for a starting shirt is only due to get longer in the weeks ahead, with Ryan Loft on the verge of a return from injury and Harry Anderson and Paul Coutts not far behind. Players on the fringes, therefore, may drift further from contention with the prospect of new signings being added to the mix after Christmas.
