Joey Barton gave a brief yet promising reply when asked about Antony Evans' fitness for Bristol Rovers at the weekend. The Gas travel to Prenton Park in hope of defeating promotion rivals Tranmere Rovers, and the availability of nine-goal playmaker Evans doubtless would be a boost.
Evans has missed two games with a calf injury sustained at Northampton Town last month. Rovers lost and won in the matches he has missed, sitting in fifth in League Two ahead of Saturday's visit to Merseyside.
Left-back Nick Anderton, too, has missed the games against Carlisle United and Bradford City due to a muscle strain, and Barton was asked if both men will be fit to take part at Tranmere on Saturday. A smile slowly emerged as he replied: "Hopefully," choosing to keep his cards close to his chest two days out from kick-off.
