SKIPPER Stuart Campbell has hailed Bristol Rovers' first clean sheet for 15 games as an important psyschological breakthrough for the side.

And coach Paul Trollope has not ruled out using the midfielder in a deep role again after he played just in front of the back four in the 0-0 weekend draw against Crewe.

The tactical switch paid off as the Pirates – who had let in 19 goals in their eight previous league games – managed to avoid conceding for the first time since April.

"We had been letting too many people get shots in from the area between the midfield and back four and credit to Trolls and Lennie (Lawrence) because they spotted it and addressed it," said Campbell

"They made it abundantly clear to me they didn't want me straying out of that area against Crewe, which I tried not to do.

"My job was to sit and let others like Jeff Hughes and Craig Disley get forward. I came forward too a couple of times – but had to make sure I got back afterwards.

"It worked because I think Crewe only had two real attempts on goal, which Steve Phillips saved, and with a bit more luck we would have gone on to win."

Campbell admits that the previous lack of clean sheets had started to play on the players' minds.

"There were times when you started to wonder if we'd ever do it, so to finally manage it is a boost for everyone mentally," he said.

Trollope said: "Stuart's role was not only to protect our back four but to also be our playmaker because we could play through him from the back."

Trollope confirmed that right-back Ryan Green faces at least a fortnight out after suffering a recurrence of his hamstring injury against Crewe, but there is a chance central defender Steve Elliott could be in contention for Saturday's trip to Colchester after he was forced off with a dead leg.

"We will see how Steve progresses but realistically if he wants to play on Saturday, he is going to be out there training with us on Thursday."