Matt Taylor is looking forward to welcoming players back to the squad ahead of Bristol Rovers’ upcoming away clash against Mansfield Town in Sky Bet League One.
The Gas are on their travels for the first time in almost a month after playing four successive games at The Memorial Stadium and are unbeaten in their previous three in all competitions.
Rovers drew 0-0 with Crawley Town in their last outing but could have claimed three points after hitting the bar twice in the opening exchanges. However, the Pirates will be bolstered by a few players available for selection again.
Taylor discussed the possible returns, the upcoming fixture away to Mansfield and the week of training.
PLAYERS RETURNING
“Joel Senior has trained fully this week,” he said. “Gatlin O’Donkor has trained fully this week as well. Day to day, we’re finding out about Promise Omochere and where that ankle is at, so we're generally in a better place.
“Ruel Sotiriou has joined us back from international duty and Taylor Moore becomes available after his suspension. We’ll be a few players better off, but naturally, there are a couple that we’re waiting to see how they perform in the next 24 to 48 hours and where their bodies are at.
“It remains to be seen on a couple, we might have to make a late decision, but generally the squad is in a good place. Not just going into this weekend, but the run of games and fixtures that we’re going to come across over the next six weeks.”
TRAINING IN THE SNOW
“It’s been a good week's work,” said Taylor. “We were affected on Tuesday by the snow and the fact it stayed and continued to come down caught us off guard a little bit.
“We probably only had a 30 by 30 area to do a little bit of work with 20 players, but we tried to get them moving as best we possibly could. Testament to the ground staff for getting the pitches ready for training today.”
MANSFIELD TOWN PREVIEW
“Reading was certainly our best away performance of the season,” said the manager. “We’ve picked up points at Burton and Rotherham, but not enough consistently away from home. We just have to make sure we are exactly where we need to be.
“I keep alluding to it and stressing it with the players; anyone who has played at Mansfield at any stage knows how tight the pitch sometimes feels, how they put pressure on you, and they’ve got really good backing from the surrounds.
“You can see they are a developing club in terms of the stadium growing and their fan base alike. They are in a good place at the moment, so we’ll have to withstand a certain amount of pressure. We have to get to the ball, win the ball and use the ball.
“We have to dampen their spirits at every single opportunity and take ourselves back up the pitch. I’m sure if we do that, then we can create some good moments, like we did at Reading.”
TEAM SELECTION
“It will come down to form, fitness and suspensions, but you want to keep consistency throughout the team,” he said. “It’s about who trains well, who plays well and where they are on a daily basis in terms of how professional they are around the place.
“But it will consistently change. It’s changed this week, even without a midweek game. That’s just the nature of the beast and in terms of winter football. You’re never quite sure what’s next in terms of availability and the squad going into the next game.
“All our focus is towards Mansfield. As soon as that’s done, we’ll get back on the coach. We’ll be in on Sunday and will prepare for the Tuesday night at home to Blackpool. But not a thought will be given to that until after Saturday.”
