Ennis and Bolton close to returning

PLYMOUTH Argyle could have two players returning from longterm injury when they take on Rochdale in the FA Cup second round next month.

Defender James Bolton, a summer signing from League One rivals Portsmouth, and striker Niall Ennis have not kicked a ball for the Pilgrims this season.

However, both of them have now returned to training after their lengthy absences due to ankle and hamstring injuries respectively.

Argyle will be away to League Two side Rochdale in an ITV-televised FA Cup clash at Spotland on Sunday, December 5, with a 12.15pm kick-off

Manager Ryan Lowe said: “Niall will probably be ready for the FA Cup against Rochdale, and Bolton possibly the same.”

Bolton joined the Pilgrims on a two-year contract in the summer for an undisclosed fee from Portsmouth but suffered an ankle injury early in pre-season.

His return to fitness will compensate for the likely absence of another defender, Brendan Galloway, in January.

Galloway is expected to be included in the Zimbabwe squad for the delayed 2021 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon, with their first group game against Senegal on January 10.

That would potentially mean Galloway being away from Home Park for a few weeks at the start of 2022.

With the return of Bolton, though, Lowe would still have four senior defenders to call upon, along with James Wilson, Dan Scarr and Macaulay Gillesphey.

Ennis had looked sharp for Argyle in pre-season but picked up his hamstring problem before the League One opener away to Rotherham United on August 7.

His return to the squad would increase the competition for places up front, which also involves Ryan Hardie, Luke Jephcott, Kieran Agard and Jordon Garrick.