Lillis keen to feature
Rochdale goalkeeper Josh Lillis is hoping to recover from illness in time to return against Bristol Rovers.
Robbie Thomson made his Dale debut in the absence of Lillis in the 3-0 win against Mansfield and could be rewarded with another appearance after keeping a clean sheet.
Midfielder Peter Cavanagh, fit again following a long-term Achilles injury, is expected to continue after making his first start since August against Mansfield.
Striker George Donnelly (ankle) remains a long-term absentee so Graham Cummins is hoping to resume up front alongside Scott Hogan, who scored his ninth and 10th goals of the season on Boxing Day.
Bristol Rovers centre-back Mark McChrystal will be available for the clash despite nursing a head injury.
McChrystal needed stitches after clashing heads with Torquay midfielder Damien Mozika in the 1-1 draw at Plainmoor on Boxing Day but has shown no ill-effects.
The Boxing Day fixture was just McChrystal's second game back after a three-month lay-off and Pirates boss John Ward could decide to rest his defender for his side's second game in four days, which would mean a recall for Tom Lockyer.
Ellis Harrison and Preston loanee Chris Beardsley are among the players in contention should Ward decide to go for fresh legs at Spotland.
Source: PA
