Bristol R v Rotherham preview

Bolger: Back from lengthy lay-off

Team news ahead of Saturday's League Two clash between Bristol Rovers and Rotherham at the Memorial Stadium.

Bristol Rovers manager John Ward's options have been given a boost with the return of defender Cian Bolger.

The Leicester loanee has returned to the club after recovering from his cruciate ligament injury, sustained back in September.

But Ward, back for a second spell with the Pirates, is set to be without captain Matt Gill as the former Norwich man is still sidelined with a knee problem.

And with only five days between his unveiling as Rovers' second manager in 12 months and their clash with Steve Evans' side, Ward knows time is of the essence as he gets to know his new squad.

"I've got to trust my own eyes and rely on a number of other people, staff and maybe the players," he said. "I'll be chatting to them and finding out what their mood is and what they feel. The players will have done their homework on me and I've got to do my homework on them and find out.

"The next two or three games are important for them and me and the next 24 are vital for all of us."

Rotherham boss Steve Evans has hinted at making changes to his side.

The Millers put in a sterling display in midweek when they crushed League One Notts County in the FA Cup, but Evans is tempted to bring in fresh legs for the game at the Memorial Stadium.

Skipper Ian Sharps and left-back Liam Ridehalgh were unavailable at Meadow Lane due to suspension and ineligibility respectively, but they are now back and targeting a return to the back four.

Mark Bradley and Jack O'Connell performed admirably in their absence on Tuesday so if either of those two missed out at Rovers, it would be harsh.

Evans has also mooted a change of formation from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2, so Courtney Cameron would be the likely beneficiary if the Millers boss went down that route.

Dale Tonge (ankle/knee) made a return to the reserves in midweek but he will not be ready while David Noble (ankle), Lionel Ainsworth (shoulder) and Craig Morgan (foot) are all long-term absentees.

Evans said: "There will be one or two changes, but we will make them for the right reasons, not because they are tired. And the players who are left out might be spewing."