Swindon Town will have defender Joel McGregor back in a matchday squad for the first time this season for Saturday's local derby away to Bristol Rovers. His return is a significant boost as the Robins aim to build on their 3-1 win at Barnet last weekend, a result that saw Aaron Drinan score twice.
McGregor has been absent since the final week of July after sustaining an ankle injury in a training-ground challenge. The club feared he might need surgery following a subsequent fall at home, but a specialist confirmed an operation was not required. He returned to light training at the start of October and has slowly worked his way back to full fitness.
Manager Ian Holloway has praised McGregor's mindset, describing him as a winner. The defender's availability adds depth to a squad that has been dealing with several injury issues while sitting 15th in League Two with 15 points from 12 games.
Key absences and returns
Ollie Clarke will miss the trip to the Memorial Stadium with a hamstring tear that is expected to keep him out for five or six weeks. Anthony Munda is also ruled out with a hyper-extended knee that requires a full evaluation.
In more positive news, Dan Butler returns to the squad alongside McGregor, and Jack Thomson is fit after a brief concern following the Barnet match. Forward Ollie Palmer is scheduled to return to Beversbrook next week to begin on-grass training as he continues his rehabilitation in London.
Their recent form of one win, two draws and two losses shows the need for consistency, and a victory over 16th-placed Bristol Rovers would provide a valuable three points. The team's top scorer Aaron Drinan, who netted a brace in the win at Barnet, will be key to their attacking plans; Drinan leads the team with 22 goals in 40 appearances this season. The club's data shows the team has scored 8 of its 16 total league goals in the final 15 minutes of matches, a period of the game where they have been particularly effective. Their next fixture after the derby is a home match against 10th placed Gillingham. The team's overall record shows 13 goals scored and 16 conceded, leaving them with a minus three goal difference and ten points behind the league leaders, Salford City.
The fixture at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday represents a key opportunity for Swindon to climb the table and build momentum.
The original report is at wiltsglosstandard.co.uk
