Bristol Rovers team news as Joey Barton makes three changes for Shrewsbury clash

Joey Barton makes three changes from the Bristol Rovers team that was defeated at Portsmouth, with Shrewsbury Town the visitors to the Memorial Stadium.

Today’s match comes too soon for Luke McCormick to make his second debut, having re-signed for the club for the next three years after an undisclosed fee was paid. He is not on the bench at all but Malik Sesay is amongs the options Barton could call upon after being named on the bench.

Glenn Whelan and Sam Finley are dropped to the bench, while centre-back James Connolly is missing from the matchday squad altogether.

Academy graduate Alfie Kilgour comes into the centre of defence in his first league start since January to partner on-loan Everton defender Lewis Gibson as Barton reverts his team into a back four.

Lewis Gordon - signed on a free transfer - also comes back into the lineup filling in at left-back, meaning Luca Hoole reverts into a more familiar role, playing in the right of defence.

Just ahead of the defence, Paul Coutts and Jordan Rossiter start together in a two for the first time this season in the base of what looks to be 4-2-3-1.

Making up the midfield three is something that will be more familiar, with Aaron Collins and Harry Anderson on each wing, and talisman Antony Evans playing through the centre just behind John Marquis.

Meanwhile for the opposition, Luke Leahy on his return to the Mem is named as captain for the Shrews, where he is expected to play in the centre of the park.

Taylor Moore, on loan from Rovers’ inter-city rivals Bristol City also earns a start, whilst George Nurse, who had also been on the books of the Robins plays also.

Bristol Rovers (4-2-3-1): James Belshaw; Luca Hoole, Lewis Gibson, Alfie Kilgour, Lewis Gordon; Jordan Rossiter, Paul Coutts; Harry Anderson, Antony Evans, Aaron Collins; John Marquis.

Shrewsbury Town: Marko Marosi, Luke Leahy, Matthew Pennington, Taylor Moore, Daniel Udoh, Tom Bayliss, Chey Dunkley, George Nurse, Jordan Shipley, Julien Dacosta, Tom Flanagan.