Bristol Rovers manager Paul Trollope last night reiterated his desire to keep star striker Rickie Lambert at the Memorial Stadium - unless the right bid comes in.

Lambert has been on blistering form for the Pirates this season, scoring 28 goals and earning a place in the PFA's League One team of the year.

His manager does not want to part with such a jewel but is realistic about the player's ambitions and the financial position of the League One club.

Speaking at a Bristol Sport forum at the Cadbury House Hotel in Congresbury, specially arranged to raise money for the Special Care Baby Unit at St Michael's Hospital, Trollope said: "Rickie wants to progress in his own career and play as high as he can, just like every other player."

"He is a good League One player and I think he could play in the Championship with the right team and the right personnel to get the best out of him.

"We want him to stay, but if the money was right and the time was right for the club and Rickie, it is something that may happen.

"We are aware that every player has got a price and it will be interesting to see if it comes in the summer."

The Bristol Rovers boss was was joined on the panel by former Bristol Rugby star Mark Regan, ex-Gloucestershire CCC cricketer Mark Alleyne and Bristol City manager Gary Johnson who answered questions on how he deals with the constant claims of favouritism whenever his son Lee plays for the Robins.