TRANMERE Rovers, without a game last weekend, resume Nationwide League Division One action on Saturday when they entertain Crystal Palace at Prenton Park (kick off 3pm).

The Londoners will be without star striker Matt Jansen, who has moved to Premier League club Blackburn Rovers, and that is good news as far as Tranmere Assistant Manager Kevin Sheedy is concerned.

Mr Sheedy, looking after team matters while Manager John Aldridge recovers from flu, said: "He was the one who made the difference in the away game (1-1). They've still got some good players, though, and it will be a tough test."

Andy Thompson is suspended after his sending-off at Bristol City, but Dave Challinor, booked in the same game, has had his yellow card rescinded.

Among the players ruled out for Saturday's clash are John Morrissey (hamstring injury), Clint Hill (stomach strain) and Dave Kelly, who should be back in training next week.

Rovers hope to hand a debut to Swedish international trialist Hans Eklund at tonight's reserve game against West Brom at Prenton Park (7.15pm). Striker Eklund, 29, has been capped six times by his country and has been plying his trade in Japan's J-League.

Tranmere's Pontin's League match at Coventry has been re-scheduled to April 7. Rovers will now play Everton in a Liverpool Senior Cup tie at Prenton Park on Wednesday, February 3 (7.15pm).

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