Defender set for return after lengthy lay off.
Rovers defender Craig Alcock is looking forward to making the training count as he looks set to make his first appearance of the season in the F.A. Cup First Round fixture at Oldham Athletic.
The versatile full back suffered an ankle ligament tear in a pre-season game against Newcastle United, in a tackle which involved his former Peterborough team-mate Dwight Gayle: “He fell on the back of it which meant I tore two ligaments which wasn’t nice. It’s been a long road back but - touch wood - thankfully it’s all good now,” he said.
Alcock explained his determination to get back playing is as strong as ever: “The buzz of the weekend means all the stuff you do Monday to Friday is actually worth something now on a Saturday.
“You feel helpless when you’re watching the boys out there and you can’t do anything to effect it but behind the scenes you just try and keep your spirits up and if anything gee the lads on and make sure they go out there and hopefully do the business.”
The first round fixture will be the former Sheffield United man’s first competitive outing for Rovers in almost seven months, and he explained the magic of the cup is still something he feels strongly about. He said: “Growing up that’s the main feature, I think it’s important for us as a club that we can get a good cup run.
“It creates a good feel good atmosphere around the place which hopefully we can kick on and use that in the league as well.