Bristol Rovers retain a points target for the season they are yet to reach but Joey Barton is also on a observational mission over these remaining 10 games of the season as to who in this Gas squad, in his eyes, remains up to standard for next season.
Today’s opponents Portsmouth are one of eight sides the Gas will face currently above them in the table and although it’s a long shot, are still just about in the play-off conversation. Like Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday, this is an opportunity for the manager to see how his players stack up against one of the better teams in the division.
Barton has been keen to emphasise that under no circumstances can Rovers allow this season to drift away from them, which certainly is a possibility as while not mathematically safe, require those below them to go on some pretty miraculous runs to fall that low in the table.
