Craig Hinton says he is ready to step back into the Rovers first team following Byron Anthony's metatarsal injury.

Anthony was forced to limp out of last night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy loss against AFC Bournemouth, and has since been ruled out of action for around 12 weeks.

Craig hasn't started a league fixture since the tail end of the 2006/07 campaign, but he's almost certain to partner Steve Elliott at the back for Friday's game against Hartlepool United.

"Getting injured in football is one of those things, and all the lads were hoping yesterday that it wasn't too serious for Byron," Craig told bristolrovers.co.uk.

"But the nasty thing about it I guess is that I'm ready to step in, and an injury to someone else gives me a chance to move forward and to step in and play.

"It's been a long six months, and the first 25 minutes yesterday were tough, but once I got my second wind I was ok. I've played a few reserve games, but nothing is the same as a first team match.

"I felt sharper and quicker as the game went on, and by the time the game came to an end I didn't feel too bad at all, which hopefully is a good sign."

Rovers will be looking to extend their unbeaten away record at Hartlepool, and Craig is pleased to have another game so soon after last night.

"The main thing after a defeat like that is having another game straight away," he said, "We need to get back on track, and our away form has been pretty good this season.

"We're travelling up and training at Middlesbrough on Thursday, so it's going to be a long couple of days for us, but hopefully two very successful days."