Craig Hinton believes the hectic spell of games that lies ahead can help to bring the best out of Bristol Rovers.

The recent freeze has meant the Pirates suffering three postponements in a row, although Saturday's opponents Scunthorpe United are confident their Glanford Road pitch will be playable.

Central defender Hinton insists the prospect of playing on Saturdays and Tuesdays for five of the next six weeks need not be a daunting one for Paul Trollope's side – especially if they can put a few wins together.

"Last season we had a few games off because our pitch was waterlogged – but after the work that was done on it over the summer, we thought that problem was sorted," said Hinton. "This season it's been the freezing conditions that have turned against us.

"Now the lads are just itching to get playing again because the frustration of having so many games cancelled has been getting to everyone."

Rovers have gone a fortnight without a game after matches at Oldham and Crewe – as well as last weekend's scheduled home fixture against Huddersfield – were wiped out by snow.

"It seems ages since we last played and it's important we get back to winning ways," said Hinton.

"We know we didn't play as well as we can in our last game at Southend and we were looking forward to putting that right at Crewe on Tuesday, so it was was really disappointing when that game was called off at 6.15pm.

"We've been working on things as best we can since then and hopefully it will pay off.

"We've got up to three games in hand on some teams and while it's alright having them, they only really count if you win them. It's going to be a hectic period ahead but lads in the squad who had niggles are getting back to fitness so hopefully we will be able to call on a full squad."

Though the Pirates' leading scorer Rickie Lambert was a doubtful starter for Saturday's game because of a hip injury, he should be in contention for Tuesday night's West Country derby showdown against Yeovil Town at the Memorial Stadium.