Joey Barton is optimistic that Sam Nicholson will be in contention to play Harrogate this Saturday after the winger was left out of the squad against Crawley Town due to a concern around a previous injury.
Nicholson has been a near-automatic pick whenever fit this season, as one of Rovers' key attacking outlets but following a difficult afternoon against Newport County last Saturday wasn't able to take to the field at the Broadfield Stadium.
Speaking after the 2-1 victory, in which Harry Anderson excelled for the Gas on the right wing in place of Nicholson, Barton indicated that the Scot needed a rest a slight niggle potentially linked to the leg fracture he sustained earlier in the season.
Also missing from the matchday 18 was midfielder Jon Nolan who's yet to make a start for Rovers since arriving on a free transfer on February 1 following his release at Ipswich Town.
"Jon has just jammed his calf, so he’ll just need a little bit of time on that," Barton said. "Sam Nicholson had a fracture (in his leg) in the early part of the season.
"We had it scanned and he’s not further aggravated that. Hopefully he’ll be back in contention for the weekend. Nolan hopefully next weekend, but it’s just patching a few up and getting a few bodies through it.
"Nick (Anderton) is playing through 15 different ailments. He tends to be in the wars every single game. We’re reliant upon the group to keep driving, turning up and working hard for each other. I thought our commitment and energy levels tonight were superb."
Harry Anderson's performance down the right flank has given Nicholson additional time to get fit, as Rovers will be mindful of not rushing him back and potentially putting the rest of his season in doubt.
The penetration Anderson provides in a wide role, coupled with his relentless work out of possession, defending from the front, emphasises Rovers' strength in depth in the attacking midfield department as Luke Thomas was an unused substitute in Sussex.
"Whenever we move him onto the frontline in one of those three spots, he’s produced goals," Barton said of Anderson, who's operated as a left-back, left winger and central midfielder for the Gas since arriving from Lincoln City last summer. "He’s been a superb signing. He never causes you a moment’s bother. He does everything right."
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