Bristol Rovers have been dealt another defensive blow with right-back Luca Hoole having been called up by the Wales Under-21 squad.
Joey Barton’s options at the back are severely limited at present due to injuries to James Connolly, James Gibbons and Lewis Gibson, while Alfie Kilgour and Bobby Thomas are suspended for one match each following their red cards at Ipswich Town.
Hoole should revert to centre-back this Saturday against Lincoln City, with his partner likely to be one of midfielders Glenn Whelan or Paul Coutts, unless Gibson or the versatile Josh Grant can make injury returns ahead of schedule.
