Paul Trollope has paid tribute to Aaron Lescott's versatility in helping Bristol Rovers overcome a defensive shortage.

The Pirates have been unable to field left-back Joe Jacobson in a first-team game so far this season because of injury.

Even though he is naturally right-sided, Lescott has impressed while filling the role and turned in another fine performance to help the Pirates record their first away win of the campaign at Colchester.

"Aaron has played out of position in all the games so far and has done very well," said coach Trollope.

"His versatility has been crucial to us over the past few years and you know what you get with him.

"His professionalism and dedication off the pitch have always been at a good level and he has carried on in the same way this season. He gives a good account of himself.

"I understand he sometimes gets frustrated at left-back and it's a situation he endures, but he always gives his best – and he certainly did that on Saturday."

Jacobson, who made his comeback from knee ligament damage by playing 80 minutes for the Pirates' reserve team last week, was included on their bench at Colchester.

But the Wales Under-21 skipper will not be available for Saturday's home game against Leyton Orient because of international duty.

The Welsh youngsters face their England counterparts in a UEFA Championships qualifier in Cardiff on Friday, with the return game at Villa Park next Tuesday.

After seeing Rovers start to climb the table after an improved run of results, Trollope is hoping his side can deliver back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

"The day-to-day atmosphere in and around training has been good. But when things aren't going for you in games, a bit of anxiety creeps in and confidence is not quite how it should be on a matchday," he said.

"Hopefully that is going to change now. We have made quite a few steps forward.

"We are not going to get carried away because we know we have a lot of hard work and improvement still to make, but the signs are good.

"When you have been on a losing run, there is always a bit of anxiety around the ground and hopefully the Colchester result will have alleviated that a little bit. A win always breeds confidence.

"If we can get the first goal on Saturday, that would go a huge way towards helping it as well.

"We are still not comfortable with our league position. We have lost too many games during the opening period of the season, but that is behind us and we can only look forward.

"We feel we have made some adjustments that have helped the team and individuals, but hopefully this is only the start of it" added the Bristol Rovers coach.