Bristol Rovers injury boost as four set to return against Derby County

Bristol Rovers interim manager Andy Mangan has given an injury update ahead of his team's League One trip to Pride Park, to face Derby County this weekend.

The Gas currently sit 10th in the table on 23 points, three places and four points off this weekend's hosts.

The 37-year old certainly hasn't hid the fact that Saturday's opponents won't be easy match, but praises the squad and staff for Rover's recent good form.

"The staff have been obviously fantastic and the players have been amazing," said Mangan.

"We've just got to go to Derby and put a performance out which you know the players first and foremost will be proud of, but also for the travelling fans as I'm assuming they will come in their numbers again and I am excited to be to be watching us in that stadium."

Although the caretaker boss wasn't able to give a definitive answer regarding his future at the club, he was able to bring some positive injury news, much to the Gasheads delight.

"Some of the lads who have been injured are now back in back in contention," said Mangan.

"Grant Ward will be back in contention and Connor Taylor is back on the grass today."

Ward has only featured once since August for Rovers, so his return will prove to be a huge boost for the team. Taylor missed the win at Newport County in the EFL Trophy due to a break in his hand and with centre-half Tristan Crama out suspended, the former Stoke City man will be required back in as soon as possible.

Mangan was also able to give update's on both Luca Hoole and Luke McCormick, who have both spent large parts of this season sidelined.

"It was nice to see Luca Hoole on the training field with Luke McCormick’s first day today."

With a host of names back from the treatment room, the 37-year old will have a so-called managerial headache, as he and his coaching staff prepare the Gas ahead of their trip to the East Midlands.

"The squad is looking really healthy and it's going to be really tough to pick a squad, but obviously that's that's what I've been asked to do so I'll do it.

"I have never minded making decisions, the decision will always be made for the betterment of Bristol Rovers to win games of football."

The caretaker boss is positive and optimistic that his side can go to Pride Park and get a result.

"The club is really on the up and for myself I'm very proud to be asked to lead the team and hopefully we can get a good result on Saturday.

"We do really well against the teams who are flying-high in the league, so I think the players deserve an awful lot of credit for that.

"They come in again today desperate to know what we're doing, desperate to give their all in training and as a coach you can be no prouder than that."