Coles poised for Pirates comeback

Coles played just five games for Bristol Rovers last season

Bristol Rovers expect defender Danny Coles to be fit for the start of the new campaign.

The 27-year-old missed most of last term with a knee injury but has started pre-season after a period of rehabilitation in the United States.

First-team coach Paul Trollope told BBC Radio Bristol: "He's a big player for us and it would be fantastic to see him on the first game of the new season.

"The way it's going we expect him to be fit for the first game of the season."

Trollope added: "The chairman and the board backed us by letting him go to the US and obviously help Danny in his rehabilitation.

"It was a fantastic experience for the lad and aided his rehabilitation to such an extent that he was able to join in the first couple of days of pre-season.

"There will be times in the next week or two when he needs to do a bit of individual rehab, but for most of the pre-season we're expecting him to train with the group."

Coles spent time with specialist Bill Knowles, who has previously helped Michael Owen and rugby World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson.