I'm raring to go again, says Rovers youngster Richards

Bristol Rovers youngster Eliot Richards is hoping to play a role for Bristol Rovers at Southend this afternoon.

With Scott McGleish expected to be sidelined for several weeks with an ankle injury, young striker Richards is looking to build on his appearance from the bench in last weekend's 2-0 home defeat by Barnet.

"I've not been starting recently, so I have to prove I can get back in the team. I'm raring to go," said Richards. "With Scott injured, hopefully there will be an opportunity for me."

The 20-year-old Welshman has only made five starts this season, but has scored a couple of goals and hit the woodwork with a spectacular 35-yarder against the Bees.

"It had looked in all the way, but the 'keeper did well to just get back and tip it onto the bar. He was in good form and things just didn't go our way last weekend," he said.

"At the moment, teams are having two shots against us and scoring with both. We are having 10 or 12 and the ball's not going in for us.

"We have been up and down all season, but if we can get a couple of wins, I think we could really kick on."

Meanwhile, target man Matt Harrold knows a hostile reception awaits him when he returns to Southend today.

By his own admission, the big striker's spell at Roots Hall was not the happiest – or most prolific – of his career.

After joining the Essex club from Yeovil in September 2006, he hit just three goals in 52 league appearances – 27 of them from the bench – during a two-year stay.

"I had a pretty miserable time there, to be honest," said Harrold. "I probably had to make the move at the time because Southend were in the Championship and doing really well, but it never worked out for me.

"It's one of those things that you learn from and it's probably made me a better player now. I got a lot of stick from the supporters there and that toughens you up a bit.

"I scored a good goal against them for Shrewsbury last season and ran towards their fans, so I don't think I'll be too popular there this weekend."

Tickets for Rovers' trip to AFC Totton in next weekend's FA Cup tie will go on sale from 8am on Monday – but can only be bought in person at the Memorial Stadium.

Rovers have been allocated 345 tickets and they will be available only to Priority Group One members on a one-per-member basis.

That includes season ticket-holders who produce Voucher E or members of the President's Club, 1883 Club, Helpline or the Supporters Club Share Scheme.

Any remaining tickets will go on sale to Priority Group Two members – fans who are in either the Supporters Club or Young/Senior Pirates – from Wednesday.

Ticket prices are £15 (adults), £10 (over-65s and NUS members) and £5 (under-16s).

The club are stressing that no tickets will be available from the Supporters Club shop in Kingswood – but Priority Group One supporters who live outside the Bristol area can still claim their tickets providing a friend or relative produces Voucher E on their behalf.

Striker Kayne McLaggon and defender Michael Boateng have had their loan spells at Tonbridge Angels extended for another month.