Joey Barton has assured Bristol Rovers fans there is no cause for concern after James Connolly sat out Tuesday's 3-0 EFL Trophy win over Swindon Town.
The centre-back has been sidelined for almost two months after a stress fracture was discovered in his spine, but he has returned to training and the 20-year-old was eager to get some minutes under his belt against the Robins at the Mem.
However, the Wales under-21 international was not included in the squad, but Barton insists the Gas have merely exercised caution with his return given the nature of the injury that has ruled him out of Rovers' past nine League One games. Connolly started the first five matches of the campaign, scoring once.
