Cooper hoping Collins will be fit for home clash

FOREST Green Rovers boss Mark Cooper hopes Lee Collins will be able to play against Carlisle at the New Lawn this afternoon following an impressive performance in the win at Colchester on Tuesday.

Collins, pictured, was restored to the starting line-up in midweek and had a fine game, although he was eventually forced off through injury.

However, the news is less positive on goalkeeper James Montgomery, who has missed the last two games with a back injury.

Speaking about the injury situation, Cooper told reporters: “He’s (Collins) a little bit sore, but we’re hoping he’ll be fit enough to play, so we won’t have to make too many changes. But Montgomery has still got a sore back and won’t feature”

Having seen off one play-off rival in Colchester, Forest Green now take on eighth-placed Carlisle and the New Lawn manager is expecting a difficult test from Steven Pressley’s side, but stressed the importance of making sure Rovers focus on their own performance as well.

“It’s another game where we fully respect their strengths,” said Cooper.

“Steven Pressley, I know really well from his time at Coventry. He had a really good young Coventry team where they were really aggressive, pressed really hard and really good with the ball.

“It’s important to get our own house in order and try to do what we do really well. Of course, like I say every week, we make the players aware and show them the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition, but it does really have to be about what we do and if we do that well.”

Elsewhere, faltering Swindon are in dire need of a win at home to Port Vale as they chase a play-off spot.