James Coppinger and James Husband have given Paul Dickov a timely boost by making a successful return to action with the reserves.
Coppinger returned from a heel problem to score and play 71 minutes of Rovers’ 4-0 win friendly win against York City yesterday.
Husband, meanwhile, came through the full 90 minutes unscathed following three months out with a shoulder problem.
With boss Paul Dickov open to the idea of shuffling his pack following Saturday’s horror show against Stevenage, the pair are likely to come into contention for an immediate recall to the bench at least when Rovers travel to Blackburn on Saturday.
Mark De Val Fernandez, Harry Middleton and Evan Finnegan also found the net in a comfortable win against the Minstermen.
The specially arranged fixture also saw Harry Forrester and Billy Paynter gain valuable minutes, while trialist Abdoulaye Meite played the full game as he attempted to convince Dickov he is worthy of a short term deal.
While deciding on Meite, Dickov will be mindful that he may have both first choice centre backs back in tandem in the near future.
Bongani Khumalo is likely to return to the starting line-up at Blackburn after he was left on the bench against Stevenage as a precaution.
Rob Jones had hoped to return this weekend following a scan on Monday but the skipper may have to be more patient in his bid to return to the side after being referred to a neurosurgeon specialist.
Jamie McCombe is also back in training following his five month lay-off with a back problem.