Ayres in line for deal at Rovers

TRIALISTS Lee Ayres and Yan Klukowski will get another chance to impress when Forest Green host Bristol Rovers tonight (7.45pm).

Dave Hockaday’s new-look side are on home territory for the first time this pre-season after four away friendlies, most recently a 2-1 win at neighbours Shortwood United on Friday night.

Central defender Ayres’ display in the second half at Meadowbank prompted chants of ‘sign him up’ from away supporters, and he now looks almost certain to be offered a new deal despite his injury woes of last season .

Also catching Hockaday’s eye was Polish midfielder Klukowski, who was once on the books of tonight’s opponents as well as Bath City and Chippenham Town.

“Yan came in late and did well, both as an attacking midfield player and in a more defensive role,” said Hockaday.

“He is big, strong and has a good attitude. I was very pleased with him and he did himself no harm.

“Lee (Ayres) has impressed in the two friendlies he has played and is only going to get fitter and better.

“He will get pushed a bit more against Bristol Rovers but I’ve made it obvious I need another centre-half and I rate him highly.

“I would love to sort something out with him and it may just be that he comes in and claims a shirt.”

Hockaday hopes to have full-back Scott Bartlett available after he missed the games at Shortwood and Didcot with a minor groin injury.

Even so, the Rovers boss has been encouraged by the growing understanding between new goalkeeper James Bittner and the defence.

“James Bittner still hasn’t conceded a goal and we haven’t looked like conceding when we’ve had a stronger team out,” he said.

“We’re looking very solid. There is an awful lot to work on in other areas of the pitch but we’ve got something to build on.”

League One Bristol Rovers were beaten 1-0 by Premier League new boys West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

Pirates goalkeeper Luke Daniels suffered a back injury during the warm-up, meaning Mike Green is in line to start at the New Lawn after spending last season on loan at Gloucester City.

“Our home ground will feel like an away ground to a lot of the team, so we’re looking forward to playing there,” said Hockaday.

“Bristol Rovers will really test us, however strong a side they pick, and the game has come at the right time for us.”