Clarke wants Pirates on top form against Eastleigh

[FF News]

Bristol Rovers take on Playoff chasing Eastleigh this weekend and Pirates manager Darrell Clarke believes his side have to be on top form to take all three points.

"Eastleigh are a very good team with some big name players that were one of the favorites for the title at the beginning of the season so we are going to have to be on the top of our game.

"They have a good squad and a good manager and have been there or there abouts this season so it is going to be a tough game for us.

"We have to forget about our form or however many games unbeaten we are because it counts for nothing when the whistle goes at 3 O'clock and we need to be ready to go.

Stuart Sinclair made his long awaited return to action last weekend against Gateshead but suffered another injury after falling awkwardly on his knee but Darrell tells us that his injury isn't as bad as first feared.

"The news we received this week was the best thing possible for us really, we thought it was a cruciate ligament injury and Stuart is delighted with the news.

"He now has to work hard to try and be back before the end of the season but we are glad for the positive news.

"Stuart has hardly ever been injured whilst I have been managing him but he will pick himself up and will be working his hardest to get himself back.

"Injuries are just part and parcel of the game and injuries can happen but we want all our players fit and healthy for these last nine games.

Sinclair's newest injury coupled with the continued absence of Ollie Clarke has left Rovers light on numbers in the middle of the park and the Rovers boss says he is on the look out for a central midfielder.

"With the two injuries and Josh Wakefield going back to Bournemouth we are a bit low on numbers in that position so I will be looking to bring someone in.

"Lee Mansell is currently on nine bookings as well so it is definitely an area of the pitch where we are trying to strengthen.

"Lee is a very committed player and I certainly don't want him pulling out of challenges so if he picks up another yellow card we will be ready to deal with it.

Source: www.bristolrovers.co.uk

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