TRANMERE are ready to ease Ash Taylor into action in a training ground practice match today – just as a new crop of injuries throws problems into the path of manager Les Parry.

Taylor, whose ability to switch between centre back and defensive midfield roles was a major asset to Rovers last season, has not played since undergoing knee surgery in the summer.

After four months on the comeback trail, the 20-year-old is ready for a first run out and Parry can see the advantages of a gentle start.

He said: “A practice match is a good level for Ash because he has not trained for long. It is a step below a reserve game because friendlies are not quite so competitive.”

Parry might have wished Taylor was a couple of weeks further advanced after hearing confirmation that experienced centre backs Marlon Broomes and Ian Goodison, together with centre forward Enoch Showunmi, are doubtful starters for the League One trip to Notts County this weekend.