Steve Elliott may have marked his first appearance of the season for Bristol Rovers with a goal – but admits he expects to find himself back on the bench for tomorrow's game at Wycombe Wanderers.

The big central defender made a belated start to the campaign after picking up a thigh injury late in pre-season which meant he played no part in the opening five games.

But the former Derby County and Blackpool player was restored to the starting line-up for Wednesday's Carling Cup clash at Cardiff City and nodded home the Pirates' goal in their 3-1 defeat by the Bluebirds.

Even so, Elliott admitted the tough midweek game showed him he still has a little way to go before he is fully battle-ready.

"I don't feel quite match fit at the moment – although as the game went on against Cardiff I got a bit more into it and my positional sense came back again," said Elliott.

"But if I'm honest, I still feel a couple of yards off the pace. Hopefully I'll be in the squad for this weekend, although I'd expect Danny to be back in the side again on Saturday. But, with any luck, I'll be pushing for next Tuesday's game at Hereford.

"I felt tired after the Cardiff game and we got given a bit of a run-around in the first half, so it was difficult – not just for me, but the rest of the lads.

"Cardiff are top of the Championship for a reason and we knew beforehand that we would have to be right on top of our game and they would need to have an off night for us to get anything out of the game.

"We huffed and puffed but they were right on it and taught us a lesson in the first half. That's where we need to be. At least we improved in the second half, which we can take into the weekend."

A key man and almost an automatic first choice at the back for the Pirates in recent seasons, Elliott admitted he has been left frustrated by the need to play catch-up after his pre-season setback.

"I got through all the running and work in pre-season then turned my ankle against Crystal Palace. I was more or less fit again, but then injured my thigh in training the night before our friendly against Liverpool.

"From a personal point of view it was good to get my first 90 minutes under my belt in midweek – and a goal as well."

Recent history suggests Paul Trollope's men should approach tomorrow's clash at Adams Park with a good degree of confidence as it has been a happy hunting ground. The Pirates have won five of their last six meetings at the venue and Elliott acknowledges that their last visit – a 1-0 victory in March 2007 – was a pivotal moment in their promotion season.

They were to remain unbeaten over their next 10 league games to clinch a place in League One through the Wembley play-off final.

Elliott said: "I remember our last game there because I scored our goal! We've had some good results there and it's been a lucky ground for us in recent years, but that won't be on our minds on Saturday. We will just concentrate on our own game and hopefully that will be good enough to see us through.

"No disrespect to Wycombe because they are a decent side, but they have just come up from League Two and are finding it a bit difficult at the moment.

"Hopefully we can keep our recent league form going and pick up three more points. We have a good set of lads here."