Rovers hopeful of a Brian Stock return for Derby match

The Welsh ace's back problem has shown a remarkable improvement since he opted for an injection last Friday rather than surgery.

"Brian was down at the training ground yesterday for the first time since the injection," said Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll.

"The injection has resolved his pain issue and he's feeling really good.

"He was bright as a button and he wanted to train because he felt that his back felt about as good as it has ever done.

"It was tempting but John the physio warned us that if we went down that route that we'd be back in the same cycle.

"The underlying problem is still there and we are not going to sort it out in the short term.

"He needs to be put on a programme which will mobilise his spine because it is a nerve problem so there are certain things that he needs to do before we throw him back in.

"If we threw him back in as he is, I think he'd just end up with the same problem and we don't really want to do that,

"If he gets the problem again then the closer he becomes to having surgery - and if we can avoid that we will

"We are going to try to see if we can maintain a level of fitness without having to resort to surgery to resolve the problem.

"When we feel he's ready we'll put him in and see how he goes."

Centre-back Shelton Martis - who, at a push, could come into contention for Tuesday's visit to Preston if the club picked up an injury or two at Bristol City tomorrow - and midfielder Martin Woods are both on course to available for the return against Derby tomorrow week.