Hamilton returns from ban but Clough remains doubtful as Rochdale face Oxford

Posted Monday, March 11, 2019 by PA

Rochdale midfielder Ethan Hamilton is available again after suspension for the Sky Bet League One clash with Oxford on Tuesday evening.

Hamilton was given his marching orders late on in the defeat at table-topping Luton earlier this month, sidelining the on-loan Manchester United player for Dale’s 2-1 win over Shrewsbury last weekend.

Victory over the Shrews saw defender Kgosi Ntlhe and midfielder Oliver Rathbone return to the starting line-up after long injury lay-offs and the pair will be in contention again.

Goalkeeper Josh Lillis (calf) will miss out while on-loan Nottingham Forest forward Zach Clough (groin) is a doubt.

Oxford are hoping captain John Mousinho will recover from a calf complaint.

The 32-year-old was withdrawn at the interval in the 1-0 defeat at Gillingham on Saturday due to tightness in the muscle but the U’s are optimistic he will retain his starting place.

Midfielder Ahmed Kashi and forward pair Gavin Whyte and Jamie Mackie came off the bench at the Gills as they look to return to match fitness following injury and the trio are now pushing for starts.

Rob Hall, Jon Obika, Malachi Napa and Shandon Baptiste are long-term absentees.