Bristol Rovers boss Ben Garner believes Josh Hare is not quite ready for a full return to first-team action after fans questioned his decision to not include the right-back against Doncaster Rovers.
The 26-year-old has made just two competitive starts in the past 12 months after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, but he has had a full pre-season.
Hare travelled with the squad to the Keepmoat Stadium, where they were beaten 4-1 by Doncaster Rovers, but was not included on the teamsheet.
With Mark Little out injured, many Gasheads were surprised to see Hare not even named on the bench. Alfie Kilgour was instead played out of position at right-back and had a tough afternoon, but Garner believes missing the game was right for Hare’s long-term fitness.
“The thing with Josh is he’s played two 90 minutes in 12 months, one of those being a friendly, so it’s trying to build him back up,” the manager said.
“He’s training ever so well and he’s a great lad with a great attitude, and it was my decision to give him a bit of extra time to get up to speed.
“He’s had two big setbacks in his career injury-wise, and my priority for him as a player is to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”
Earlier in the day, speaking to BBC Radio Bristol, Garner revealed Little has aggravated a calf injury which forced him to miss much of last season. The 32-year-old had started in both League One games before Saturday.
Garner said: “I'm really disappointed for him because he's worked ever so hard in lockdown to the extent he actually built a gym in his own garage.
“He's done everything right, had a great pre-season, but unfortunately he's had an issue with it again and he'll have to go see a specialist.
“I'm really disappointed for Litts, because of what a great character he is and how hard he's worked.”
