Bristol Rovers vs Sheffield United - Pirates hope to unleash Billy Bodin against Blades

Posted Monday, February 13, 2017 by PA

Bristol Rovers will hope to have in-form forward Billy Bodin back in their ranks for Tuesday's visit of Sky Bet League One pacesetters Sheffield United.

Bodin missed Saturday's 1-1 draw with Bradford through illness but Rovers will be keeping their fingers crossed the 24-year-old winger, who has scored seven goals in his last 10 appearances, will be fit enough to face the Blades.

If Bodin is not available, then Cristian Montano could deputise again with Ryan Broom another wide option for manager Darrell Clarke, the youngster having replaced the Colombian as a second-half substitute at the weekend.

New defenders Jonny Burn and Bob Harris - a former Sheffield United player - will be looking to make their first appearances for the Pirates having been unused substitutes against Bradford.

Blades pair Ethan Ebanks-Landell and Paul Coutts are both expected to return to contention.

Central defender Ebanks-Landell missed Saturday's win at Peterborough due to a hip problem, while midfielder Coutts also sat it out after turning an ankle in training last week.

Winger Jay O'Shea and defender Joe Riley both made their debuts off the bench at the weekend and are pushing for their first starts.

Striker Leon Clarke is still sidelined with an ankle injury as Chris Wilder's table-toppers chase a ninth league win in 12 matches.