Joey Barton hopes Bristol Rovers captain Paul Coutts will be available for the trip to Forest Green Rovers on Saturday after suffering a knee injury in training.
The 34-year-old was a surprise absentee from Rovers' 0-0 draw with Barnsley at the Mem on Saturday after playing an important role in a morale-boosting win at Oxford United seven days previously.
Coutts had initially appeared on the teamsheet submitted to the officials before kick-off before being swiftly withdrawn and replaced by Luke McCormick when it became apparent he could not complete a pre-match fitness test. After the game, his manager revealed a knee injury was the issue, but Barton is hopeful that it will not force the Scot to miss any more action.
