Inigo Calderon has revealed that Shaq Forde should be in contention for Bristol Rovers‘ home game against Burton Albion on Saturday after missing the Gas’ last two outings with a minor injury.
The winger was absent from the squads that beat Peterborough United 3-1 and drew 1-1 with Stockport County on Tuesday night and has struggled for consistent starts since the Rovers head coach’s arrival.
After two strong results at home, it will be tough for the 20-year-old to get back into the side but he should be an option once again come this weekend.
“No, he will be, I cannot say now but he’s fit now to play,” Calderon revealed ahead of facing Burton. “Obviously, maybe Tuesday was a bit too early for him but I would say he’s in contention for Saturday. I don’t know to the squad, to the starting 11, to the bench but I think now he’s fit.”
Forde has proven to be a real livewire on his day for the Gas but is now seeking improved consistency with his 22 League One appearances so far this term split into 11 starts and 11 appearances from the bench.
One of the forward’s two goals in blue-and-white quarters came in the reverse fixture against the Brewers, scoring the equaliser in what ended up being a 3-1 comeback victory at the Pirelli Stadium in October.
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He then scored an excellent goal against Lincoln City at the Mem in November but hasn’t found the back of the net since while he also has two assists to his name with the latest coming on New Year’s Day against Leyton Orient.
Rovers are already short of attacking options after they lost Gatlin O’Donkor to a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for over a month. However, they did bring in 19-year-old Michael Reindorf on loan from Cardiff City on deadline day.
Elsewhere, Romaine Sawyers is set for at least a couple of weeks out with a quad problem while Kamil Conteh’s recovery from a knee issue is progressing with hopes that the midfielder will be able to return to action next month.