Cheltenham manager Keith Downing is sweating on the fitness of striker Steve Brooker ahead of the trip to Bristol Rovers on Tuesday.Brooker was forced off the field just 38 minutes into Saturday's 0-0 draw with fellow League One strugglers Gillingham, only his fifth appearance of the season, after pulling up with a tight groin.

Damian Spencer came on to replace Brooker against the Gills and he again would be the most likely candidate to fill in should the Robins forward fail to prove his fitness.

Downing handed starts to the fit-again David Bird, Alan Wright and Steve Gillespie after respective nose, head and toe injuries in that game, and must decide whether to retain the trio for a second game in four days.

Long-term absentees Shane Duff (Achilles), John Finnigan (foot) and Michael Townsend (illness) all remain unavailable, while the game is expected to come too soon for Paul Connor (hamstring).

Victory for the Robins would see them pull level on points with the Pirates, who currently occupy 17th spot in the League One table.

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