Scunthorpe United 1 - 0 Rochdale

Scunthorpe v Rochdale: Preview

Updated: November 3, 2008, 6:31 PM UK

Scunthorpe manager Nigel Adkins is waiting on the fitness of Gary Hooper as his side face Rochdale in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Glanford Park.

The 20-year-old striker, who has scored nine goals in 14 games this season, suffered a foot injury against Oldham last week and missed Saturday's 3-3 draw with Swindon.

Hooper is again rated doubtful and boss Adkins may decide not to risk him so Jonathan Forte should partner Paul Hayes in attack after getting the nod against the Robins.

Defender Krystian Pearce has shown no side-effects from his ankle injury that almost kept him out of Saturday's game and is likely to partner skipper Izzy Iriekpen in the centre of defence once again.

Kenny Milne remains Scunthorpe's only long-term injury worry as he is not expected to recover from a knee injury until Christmas at the earliest.

In-form Rochdale are in rude health ahead of the match.

Manager Keith Hill is still without striker Jon Shaw, who has a niggling hamstring injury which has sidelined him since August 23.

Defender Simon Ramsden also remains absent with a troublesome calf problem, but Hill has no other absentees.

Saturday's 2-1 win at Brentford was Dale's fourth successive victory and lifted them up to sixth in League Two.

Assistant manager Dave Flitcroft said: "I think some people saw our win at Brentford as an unexpected three points, which is daft to me.

"The boys have a confidence in each other and a belief because we are winning games and scoring goals.''