STRIKER Matt Harrold won't be using a deepening injury crisis as an excuse should Bristol Rovers fail to pull clear of the relegation zone over the coming weeks.
Manager John Ward could be without as many as 11 players when AFC Wimbledon arrive at the Memorial Stadium tomorrow as Rovers continue their bid to claw themselves away from the wrong end of the table.
Ward was only able to name five substitutes for Tuesday night's 0-0 draw at Cheltenham Town, but Harrold said: 'We've got injuries, but we still have a good team with good players available.
'Every team has got these problems, so you just have to get on with it. It is just one of those things you have to deal with.
'The only thing you can do is stick together and be professional in an attempt to get some more points on the board.
'In an ideal world you would have a bit of freshness and experience on the bench to bring on if you need to change a game, but if you are playing you can't dwell on that. You just have to get on with it and try your best.'
Ward, meanwhile, continues to back his young players to show the strength of character to come through what he calls a 'difficult period'.
The average age of the side that took to the field at Whaddon Road on Tuesday night was a meagre 22, and Harrold, pictured, added: 'I think it was a good point for us in the end.
'I don't think we can be over-the-top happy, but it was a fairly positive result away from home against a good side.
'Everyone knows we have a few injuries and quite an inexperienced side so it was important not to lose the game.
'The older players among us are fully aware of the added responsibility we have to shoulder.
'I think everybody is comfortable with the situation. From what I can see some of the young lads are relishing the chance they have been given.
'Of course, you are always prone to inconsistency when you rely on youth.
'When I was growing up I'd be brilliant one day and think I was getting a move and then be rubbish the next and be worried about getting released.
'But everyone can see that their effort levels, attitude and application has been different class.
'They are giving their all, even at times when things aren't going their way, and that is all you can ask for.
'In an ideal world you wouldn't put so many youngsters in together like we have had to do, but I think they are coping with it very well and giving their all for the cause.'
Rovers have certainly showed encouraging signs following an improvement in performances over recent weeks - but are still perilously placed just two points clear of bottom-of-the-table Northampton Town.
'I haven't looked at the league table a lot this season,' said Harrold. 'We are in a bit of a difficult situation, but we're the only ones who can get ourselves out of it, so we don't feel sorry for ourselves or anything like that.
'The atmosphere around the place is good and some people may look at that and think that we don't realise the situation we are in.
'We are well aware that the situation is not ideal and we are not where we want to be, but we can't let things drag us down.
'We know that we are underachieving and we want to do better, but if you don't remain positive and upbeat that will be reflected in your performances on a Saturday.'
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