Little and Rodman in contention for Rovers return
Those that want to prove themselves and get in the team, there’s very little opportunity to do so
PAUL Tisdale has been buoyed by the news longterm absentees Mark Little and Alex Rodman are back in contention for first-team action, while Tom Davies continues to make strides in his return from serious injury.
However, Rovers will have to make do without striker James Daly over the festive period due to an ankle injury.
Ahead of the Boxing Day visit to MK Dons, Tisdale confirmed experienced duo Little and Rodman have returned to full training over the past two to three weeks after missing several months of action.
Right-back Little suffered a recurrence of a calf injury which hampered him last season in September and has not played since, while the versatile Rodman has not featured at all due to complications after an ear infection which affected his balance.
The pair, 32 and 33 years old respectively, will bring plenty of experience to Tisdale’s ranks on right flank.
When discussing Little’s injury, Tisdale said: “He no longer has a calf injury, he’s over that, he’s made the steps to full training. He’s an experienced player, he knows his body and he will be contention now with everyone else.
“His problem, like a lot of the players, is lack of game-time, reserve matches and opportunities to show what he can do.
“That has been a real limitation at every club I suppose, but particularly at the moment at Bristol Rovers. Those that want to prove themselves and get in the team, there’s very little opportunity to do so.”
Tisdale also shared good news on Davies’ return after having surgery to address tendinitis in his knee in the spring.
The 28-year-old has been scaling up his recovery on the training ground with hopes of returning in the new year, and the manager is pleased with his progress.
“I’ve seen him training in the lighter sessions, he’s not been in the fully competitive sessions, so I have to temper my enthusiasm,” said Tisdale.
“The extra five or 10 per cent strain on the body is in competitive matches, and he hasn’t done that yet, but for all intents and purposes he’s making some good progress.
“When you consider what he’s had done, it’s blooming marvellous
what he’s done so far. A big fingers crossed.
“I think when you’ve been out for so long, your curve coming back into full-time training is a slower curve. The longer you’re out, the slower that bridging process has to become.
“We’re being very careful with
him, but I think he’s busting a gut to get back.”
Daly has not played since rolling his ankle in the FA Cup tie against Darlington last month, and he was spotted at the Memorial Stadium watching the win over Plymouth Argyle on December 12 with a protective boot on his left foot.
The 20-year-old is likely to be out of action until the new year.
“It’s going to be longer term than I’ve wished for,” Tisdale conceded. “He was due to have an appointment this week, which was postponed. His process has been a bit disrupted. It’s going to be two or three weeks out, I think.”