Pope looks set to get return

The 30-year-old has not played a first team game since snapping his cruciate ligament back in July, and his comeback has only got as far as a 45-minute outing for the reserves at Burton last week.

But boss Rob Smith looks certain to start him against Marine after seeing Dennis Pearce ruled out by a hamstring injury in yesterday's 1-1 draw at Ilkeston.

With Indy Khela (shoulder) and Andy Jones (ankle) also sidelined, Smith believes he has little option but to rush Pope back in a bid to end a run of 10 games without a win and keep their UniBond League premier division title hopes alive.

"It looks like the return of the Pope for Monday," he declared.

"He's been bombarding me with texts saying he wants to play and he's been doing my head in, to be honest.

"It's a big ask for him and I've got to protect the player, but it's needs must now.

"We'll get our skipper back in and I hope he gets a good reception from our fans.

"I'm not saying 100 per cent that I'll play him but, as it stands at the minute, he thinks he's ready and we'll give it a go.

"At times like this, when you're having it bad, he's the sort of player you need."

Smith was disappointed with the way his side started the game at Ilkeston yesterday, though he was happier with their second half showing.

They were caught on the break to fall behind but rescued a point thanks to Carl Rodgers deflected shot 14 minutes from time.

"What was most frustrating was that in the first half we didn't seem to want to give it a go," Smith added.

"We seemed happy to just play the game and no-one was gambling and pushing on.

"In the second half we gave it a good go, because we had to, but I was asking: 'Why didn't we do that in the first half?'

"I thought that four wins and two draws would still win us the league so maybe that's one of the draws out of the way.

"We've got to look positive. This is a test for me and, in a sick sort of way, I'm loving it. I'll come out of this a better manager."

By Chris Hudson