Rotherham v Bristol R preview

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Rotherham manager Steve Evans will assess Claude Davis before deciding whether to hand his new signing a debut.

The 33-year-old defender joined the Millers from Crawley on an 18-month deal earlier in the week and could make his bow alongside Johnny Mullins if he comes through training this week.

Versatile Iceland international Kari Arnason will return to the side after a one-match suspension, meaning Craig Morgan (foot) and goalkeeper Scott Shearer (elbow) are the only absentees for Evans, who has allowed Ian Sharps and Lionel Ainsworth to leave the club on loan this week.

Top scorer Daniel Nardiello was left out for the dismal defeat against Barnet a fortnight ago, which saw the Millers drop out of the automatic promotion places, and Evans could be tempted to recall him up front.

The New York pitch has been cleared following heavy snowfall, meaning the game should not be in doubt unless there is further adverse weather before Saturday.

Bristol Rovers’ two new additions are set to come straight into John Ward’s squad.

Striker Ryan Brunt, a midweek signing from Stoke, and defender Clayton McDonald, on loan from Port Vale, are both likely to be involved.

John-Joe O’Toole is is scheduled to play the last game of his initial one-month loan spell and is scheduled to return to his parent club next Tuesday.

Jim Paterson is sidelined with a hamstring complaint but Ward’s options are boosted by the return of striker David Clarkson following a month-long absence because of an ankle injury.

Rovers are currently two points from safety at the foot of the table but they can take heart from two wins in their last three games and the fact they did the double over the Millers last season.

Rotherham v Bristol R preview

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Rotherham manager Andy Scott has a selection headache of the right kind for the clash with Bristol Rovers.

The Millers are unbeaten in the last four games and having kept the same side for three of those, Scott opted to make two changes for Tuesday’s 0-0 draw at Gillingham.

Richard Naylor and Kieron Cadogan were the men to miss out and will go head-to-head with Michael Raynes and Lewis Grabban respectively to earn their shirts back.

Gareth Evans is upping his rehabilitation from a back injury but, although he is training again, he will not feature against Mark McGhee’s men.

Luke Foster (knee) is the only other absentee while goalkeeper Jamie Annerson, who has recently recovered from a serious knee injury, has joined League Two rivals Bradford on loan.

Meanwhile, Mark McGhee has defensive concerns for Bristol Rovers.

Gary Sawyer will miss a further fortnight with a hamstring problem, with fellow defender Aaron Downes on the sidelines for at least a month with knee cartilage damage.

Goalkeeper Michael Poke is set to feature for the Pirates for the last time with his loan from Brighton due to expire.

McGhee is exploring the option of extending the 26-year-old’s stay at the Memorial Stadium but has not closed the door on a swift return to action for former number one keeper Scott Bevan.

He told Gas Player: “If Pokey goes we can look for someone else or Scott can step up. He’s got to show me that he’s the man, and if he wants the opportunity he can have it.”

Defender Adam Virgo (knee) and midfielder Wayne Brown (ankle) remain long-term absentees.