Boost for Rovers as trio look set to return
JOEY Barton could have Alex Rodman, Alfie Kilgour and Josh Grant back for Bristol Rovers’ vital League One clash against Northampton Town on Saturday.
Rovers’ survival hopes have been resurrected following the Easter Monday victory over Doncaster Rovers, which lifted them to 21st in the table as the other five sides around them all lost.
Jon Brady’s Northampton are two points and two places above the Gas heading into Saturday’s game at Sixfields, meaning a win for either side could prove defining in deciding their League One destiny this term.
On the one hand, Barton won’t want to change a winning team but his selection options could be widened by the return of key trio Rodman, pictured, Kilgour and Grant.
Centre-back Cian Harries started against Donny, well ahead of schedule and with just one training session under his belt following a groin injury, and Barton has indicated further reinforcements are on their way.
“We need all hands on deck,” he said. “We hopefully have Alex Rodman back for the Saturday game, we hopefully have Alfie Kilgour and Josh Grant back for Saturday’s game.”
Before he suffered a muscle injury against AFC Wimbledon in March, Rodman was a hugely influential figure under Barton both on and off the field.
The veteran gives the Gas natural width down the right, and can play as either a winger or wing-back, plus his leadership and experience is vital in the dressing room.
Kilgour watched Monday’s win over Doncaster in the Thatchers Terrace and even joined his teammates on the field in celebrating Luke McCormick’s second goal.
The Bristolian has missed the last two games due to an ankle injury and, if given the all-clear, will be competing with George Williams, Jack Baldwin and Harries for a place in the back three.
Grant has been battling a foot injury and could add extra guile and steel to the Gas midfield, either replacing Ed Upson or alongside him in a double pivot.
Derby are on the verge of being sold just a month after scrapping takeover talks with Bin Zayed International.
The Rams have confirmed they have reached an agreement with No Limits Sports Limited.
They ended plans to sell to Bin Zayed International in March but are close with a new buyer, subject to EFL approval.
A statement read: “Derby County Football Club wishes to confirm that a definitive agreement to purchase the club has been reached with No Limits Sports Limited.”
The Rams are 18th in the Sky Bet Championship.