Trollope hands Bristol Rovers a licence to thrill

Paul Trollope will again hand his Bristol Rovers side a licence to attack when they take on relegation-threatened Brighton at the Memorial Stadium tonight.

Forced to reshuffle his pack because of injuries, the first-team coach fielded what he acknowledged as one of his most positive team selections in Saturday's 4-2 win over Millwall.

And he is set to maintain the same philosophy against the Seagulls this evening, knowing victory would be rewarded with a top-10 slot in League One.

"The line up on Saturday was an attacking one," said Trollope. "The philosophy was to attack and get the ball into forward areas with quality.

"The front two held it up well and we caused problems. If we can do that in the last set of games, we will cause other teams problems as well."

Already missing full-backs Aaron Lescott, Ryan Green and Joe Jacobson through injury, Bristol Rovers are also without central defender Steve Elliott this evening as he serves a one-match ban following his weekend dismissal. Craig Hinton returns to the side.

"In terms of injuries and with the suspension of Steve as well, we are certainly as bare as we have been at the back," said Trollope.

"It is not quite a crisis, but in terms of numbers it is pretty close to being one."

Trollope fielded wingers David Pipe and Jeff Hughes in the full-back roles against the Lions and the duo both turned in impressive displays.

"Both David and Jeff have played in that position before," said Trollope. "David played there as an emergency early in the season, and did very, very well. He has had a good season.

"Jeff first came to my attention when he played at left-back for Lincoln about three years ago, so we know he is capable of doing that.

"It sometimes restricts his creativity, but his run for Jo Kuffour's goal shows that he can still do it from that position.

"It is something I like to encourage. I like my full backs to show real energy, extend themselves and get forward, and I think both of them did that on Saturday without neglecting their defensive duties, so it was certainly food for thought for us."

Rovers also played Darryl Duffy wide on the left of midfield and are again likely to field all three of their main strikers in this evening's line up.

"Darryl is an intelligent footballer who has a good knowledge of positions and know-how of when and where to do things," said Trollope.

"He had a licence to join the strikers, a licence to roam in behind the front two as well and he also produced some good width at times for us and combined well with Jeff.

"That was pleasing. It was an interesting insight into what Darryl can give us and we have been pleased with his contribution this year.

"If we can show the same positive approach tonight and get the ball to the strikers with quality, we feel we can hurt them.

"There will be a real emphasis on starting well again, with a positive approach to try and get some goals."

Rovers have an injury worry over skipper Stuart Campbell. The midfielder is rated 50-50 with a calf injury he sustained on Saturday and if he is ruled out, it could open the door for Sean Rigg or youngster Charlie Reece.

The Pirates have also recalled young central defender Alex Kite from his loan spell at Weston-super-Mare and he is likely to be included on the bench.