Bristol Rovers Vs Colchester United, Sat 18 Dec 2010

Bristol Rovers caretaker manager Darren Patterson has striker Jo Kuffour back for the visit of Colchester.

Kuffour missed the Johnstone's Paint Trophy defeat to Exeter on Tuesday with flu but is likely to return the starting line-up. On-loan Bristol City striker John Akinde is set to make way for Kuffour, who will partner Will Hoskins up front.

Rovers have no new injury or suspension worries to contend with and it is unknown whether Patterson will keep the same side that lost to Paul Tisdale's side or make drastic changes to help change the club's fortunes.

Young midfielder Charlie Reece and Ben Swallow made an impact against Exeter and are likely to retain their places in the side while Byron Anthony may drop to the bench, with James Tunnicliffe looking for a recall to the starting line-up.

Colchester should welcome back Marc Tierney and Andy Bond for the trip to Bristol Rovers.

Defender Tierney and midfielder Bond both underwent hernia operations less than a fortnight ago but have made quick recoveries and played in a practice match on Tuesday.

Tierney will challenge Bristol City loanee Tom Williams for the left-back slot while Anthony Wordsworth could make way for Bond.

Magnus Okuonghae is out for two months with an ankle injury so Pat Baldwin continues at centre-half against his former club.

Steven Gillespie (thigh) and Simon Hackney (back) are not match fit and long-term absentees John-Joe O'Toole and Morten Knudsen (both knee) are still missing, although both played an hour in the practice game to step up their recoveries.

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