TRANMERE Rovers are hoping a pair of Christmas comebacks can help to lift their spluttering season.

Manager Les Parry says influential centre back Ian Goodison and utility man Zoumana Bakayogo could be on course for a return to action when Rovers open the festive programme with a Boxing Day game against Rochdale at Prenton Park.

Goodison missed the last two games with a hamstring injury and Bakayogo the last four with a knee problem while Rovers struggled in vain to break a losing streak that now runs to six league and cup matches.

Tranmere also have goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams (broken hand), full-backs David Raven (thigh injury) and Michael Kay (broken rib) and midfielder Robbie Weir (tonsillitis) on the casualty list.

Parry said: “With 10 days between our last game and the next, Ian Goodison and Zoumana Bakayogo have a chance of being involved on Boxing Day. It is only a chance at the moment and we will know more as the week goes by.”

Kay, who suffered a broken rib during the 2-1 defeat at Stevenage last Saturday, is due to have an X-ray. Raven is expected to attempt a return to training at the end of the week.

Parry said: “We’ll be looking to get the likes of Ian Goodison and David Raven back as soon as possible. We need experience to help settle things down.”

Parry says he is confident Tranmere are better equipped than ever to break out of the rough patch.