Tranmere V Shrewsbury at Prenton Park : Match Preview

14 February 2013 12:02
Tranmere V Shrewsbury - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Akpa Akpro suspended for Rovers

Tranmere continue to be without the suspended Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro for Friday night's visit of Shrewsbury.

The striker serves the second game of a three-match ban following his red card in the 1-0 defeat to Carlisle.

Captain James Wallace remains sidelined due to the medial knee ligament injury.

However, manager Ronnie Moore has been given a boost with the news that forward Adam McGurk and midfielder Andy Robinson are expected to be fit after knocks.

Moore, whose side have surrendered top spot in npower League One after back-to-back defeats, told Tranmere Player: "Andy and Adam are both sore.

"They'll train this morning (Thursday) so we'll see how they are. I imagine they'll both be ready for the game.

"We're just waiting on James. He's going to see another specialist on Monday and hopefully he'll get the all clear from that.

"He is close to 12 weeks now and you miss somebody like that. We're not using it as an excuse because we've won a lot of games without him.

"If we don't go up or get involved in the play-offs it won't be because we've been without James Wallace, but he is a big miss."

Jon Taylor is a major doubt for Shrewsbury but Marvin Morgan hopes to be fit.

Winger Taylor, who has been in inspired form over the last two months, was forced off at half-time in last weekend's 2-1 defeat at home to Sheffield United nursing a groin injury, while fellow six-goal striker Morgan missed the game altogether due to an ankle problem.

Manager Graham Turner told Town's official website: "Jon's missed training all week so he's a big doubt. Marvin Morgan missed last weekend's match, he's trained so there's a possibility he will be fit."

Shrews are boosted by this week's arrival of striker Chris Porter on a one-month loan deal from Sheffield United and he will be in line to make his debut at Prenton Park.

Long-term absentees Jermaine Grandison (hip) and Mark Wright (knee) continue to miss out.

Source: PA