Danny Coles is set to return to action for Bristol Rovers next week after an injury absence that has lasted almost five months.

The central defender is expected to return to action in a behind-closed-doors reserve team friendly at Hereford United on Wednesday.

And providing he emerges unscathed from the game at Edgar Street, he could be pushing for a recall to the Pirates squad for next Saturday's home game with Leeds United.

Coles has made only five first-team appearances in the current campaign after being hit by knee problems.

He suffered medial ligament damage in the team's final pre-season friendly game last August, which delayed his start to the campaign. Then he sustained cartilage damage in the Pirates' 2-1 win over Leyton Orient in mid-October.

He returned to training after initial surgery but suffered a reaction and needed a second operation.

"Danny has been back training with the rest of the players for about two weeks now," said Rovers coach Paul Trollope.

"We've pencilled in a reserve game at Hereford on Wednesday and he'll play in that if it goes ahead.

"After that we'll be looking to include him in the squad, possibly for next weekend.

"He has trained very well so far and got a lot of work in, especially last week. "There has been no reaction but we have to be careful with him and make sure he is right. We will top his fitness up next week and after that, he won't be far away."

Coles' return would mean Rovers having a fully fit squad for the first time this season after the first part of the campaign saw them suffer a rash of defensive injuries.

Trollope has cited the growing strength of the squad as one of the reasons for the side's improved form in recent weeks.

They are in action at Carlisle United today looking to make it four wins in five away games and are expected to name the same side that started the 2-0 win at Oldham Athletic on Tuesday.

Bristol Rovers (probable): Phillips, R Green, Anthony, Elliott, Lescott, Pipe, Lines, Campbell, Hughes, Lambert, Duffy. Subs: Kuffour, Disley, Hinton, Jacobson, St Louis-Hamilton.