Bristol R v Bradford preview

Team news ahead Saturday's League Two clash between Bristol Rovers and Bradford City at The Memorial Stadium.

Bristol Rovers manager Mark McGhee admits he is down to the bare bones in terms of available players.

McGhee will definitely be missing top scorer Matt Harrold, who could be out for up to two months with an ankle injury, as the new Pirates boss takes charge of his first game at the Memorial Stadium since his appointment.

Mustapha Carayol is still ruled out for Rovers with a groin problem, while defender Adam Virgo (knee ligaments) and midfielder Wayne Brown (ankle) remain long-term absentees.

Midfielder Matt Gill returned to the bench during the crucial 2-0 win at high-flying Cheltenham last time out after undergoing a knee operation, and he is likely to be among the substitutes once again this weekend.

Bradford midfielder David Syers could return to the starting line-up.

Syers, who has made only five first-team appearances this season, was sent off in the New Year's Eve win over Shrewsbury in his first match back following a long-term knee injury.

New loan signing Will Atkinson is also in the squad after signing from Hull for a month and he will hope to feature.

Manager Phil Parkinson could also be boosted by the return of winger Kyel Reid, who has made a quicker-than-expected recovery from a hamstring injury, but central defender Luke Oliver remains doubtful after missing last week's home draw with Burton due to a similar problem.

Midfielder Lee Bullock partnered Andrew Davies in central defence against Burton and will continue to cover in Oliver's absence.

Skipper Simon Ramsden is hoping to step up his recovery next week following a broken toe and midfielder Michael Flynn has resumed training following a serious bout of gastroenteritis that has kept him sidelined since mid-December.