Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton says the camp has been hit by a bout of illness ahead of their trip to Wanderers.

The Gas are currently 15th in the League One table as they aim to build on last season’s promotion on the final day.

However, Barton says they have had “a number of bodies go down” over the past week as they prepare to take on the Whites.

He told the club’s YouTube channel: “We have still got a bit of illness and sickness going through the group.

“We have had a number of bodies go down in the last seven or eight days, which hasn’t been ideal.

“Some lads are motoring on and others are banished from the training ground. We don’t know where it has come from but the quicker it moves in and out the better.”

Barton’s side recorded a 1-0 win against Peterborough in their last league outing thanks to Scott Sinclair’s goal.

However, they enter the game on the back of a shock 2-0 defeat against non-league outfit Boreham Wood in the FA Cup second round.

The manager added: “Before the Peterborough game, I felt Peterborough and Bolton would be a real examination of where we are.

“Teams who are expected to finish in the top eight or top 10 of the division. I think they are a really good side.

“A nice, big stadium. A favourite ground of mine, I made my debut there in the Premier League.

“I am looking forward to going back and finding out where we are and how we respond to the disappointment of Saturday.”

Wanderers are currently fifth in the table – only behind fourth-place Peterborough on goal difference despite having played a game fewer.

The points were shared when the Whites last faced Rovers back in January 2020, with Daryl Murphy cancelling out Jonson Clarke-Harris’ opener.

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