Bury vs Bristol Rovers - Jacob Mellis a doubt for Bury

Posted Monday, March 13, 2017 by PA

Bury's biggest concern ahead of Bristol Rovers' visit is the fitness of Jacob Mellis.

The midfielder received a bang to his leg that forced him off around an hour into the 0-0 draw with Oldham on Saturday.

Kean Bryan (thigh) made his first appearance in five months from the bench and could be involved again while Tom Pope may return to the starting line-up to partner James Vaughan.

Danny Mayor (abdominal), Craig Jones (thigh), Nathan Cameron (knee) and Zeli Ismail (groin) are all sidelined.

Bristol Rovers will again be without in-form midfielder Ollie Clarke as he serves the second of a two-match ban.

Veteran Lee Mansell could deputise once more after making a rare start in Saturday's 2-0 home win over Southend, but Stuart Sinclair will offer manager Darrell Clarke another option in midfield if he recovers from his knock in time.

Rovers will also be hoping for good news on the fitness of striker Ellis Harrison after he missed the last two games through injury, but centre-back Peter Hartley remains a long-term absentee.

Defensive trio Bob Harris, James Clarke and fit-again Jake Clarke-Salter could come into the reckoning if boss Clarke opts to shuffle his pack again, although he may look to keep changes to a minimum as Rovers seek to extend their unbeaten run to 10 matches in League One.