Elliot has struggled to oust Coles and Anthony from the heart of the Rovers' defence

Bristol Rovers manager Paul Trollope says defender Steve Elliot is still in his plans despite hardly featuring for the side this season.

The 31-year-old was a regular in the 2008/9 campaign but the return of Danny Coles and the recent signing of Pat Baldwin has kept him on the bench.

"Steve is very much part of it at the moment," Trollope told BBC Bristol.

"He is one of four centre halves we've got and I'm sure over the next little period they'll all be used."

Trollope continued: "We're looking very closely at the moment in terms of who to play and what combination is going to serve us best to try and keep clean sheets.

"We certainly need to improve in that area and Steve is in the reckoning for that."

Rovers were unable to bring in any new signings before the loan deadline closed at 5pm on Thursday but Trollope expects there to be more movement in January when the window reopens.

"Chris Dickson's loan runs out in December and Mikkel Andersen's on loan until January so there's still scope to bring players in," he said.

"We know the areas we need to strengthen and need to make sure the recruitment is right when the time comes."

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