Daly returns to boost the Rovers attack

PAUL Tisdale’s attacking options at Bristol Rovers have received a boost with James Daly’s return to full training, writes Sam Frost.

The 21-year-old has been involved in sessions with his teammates at The Quarters over the past week as he completes his recovery from an ankle injury.

Striker Daly, who has scored four goals in 14 appearances this season, was establishing himself as a first-team regular before limping off after opening the scoring in the 6-0 FA Cup win over Darlington on November 29.

“He’s been training for a week and he’s looking sharp,” Tisdale said. “I would temper that by saying any player who’s been out for a significant length of time, and I think six or seven weeks is significant, the longer you’re out, the longer the sharpening up process is. But I have to say he’s looked pretty lively in training, so we’re getting close.”

Former Crystal Palace prospect Daly has endeared himself to Rovers fans since his arrival thanks to his non-stop running style, with the majority of his goals coming as a result of his own hard work off the ball.

The Rovers boss has also received good news from the treatment room regarding Sam Nicholson and Erhun Oztumer. The pair returned from injury to play 70 minutes apiece at Peterborough on Tuesday, and neither have suffered any recurrences of their respective issues. Oztumer’s place at Rovers until the end of the season has been confirmed too. Charlton’s option to recall the 29-year-old has expired.

Tisdale, however, admits the January transfer window has not gone to plan, but he insists the club are still trying to sign a striker before Monday’s deadline.

The manager has so far seen targets Jayden Stockley and Armand Gnanduillet go elsewhere. Only goalkeeper Joe Day and defender George Williams have been added so far, but the boss has assured supporters Rovers will work to enhance their squad right up until the window shuts at 11pm on Monday.

“We are looking and looking and doing all that we can,” Tisdale said. “I’m looking forward to the window closing. I’ll be happier if we do get the player we’re after.”

Rovers have a home game against fellow-strugglers Rochdale in League One this afternoon. They both have 23 points thus far.