JOHN Hughes has had his squad ravaged by injury ahead of their League Challenge Cup quarter-final derby with Ramsbottom United.

The Robins chief fears he could be without as many as nine players, with Darren Rodgers and Andy Taylor being the latest casualties.

Rodgers, who can play on the right hand side of midfield or up front, has torn a calf muscle and expects to be sidelined for six weeks, while midfielder Taylor missed last Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Formby after pulling stomach muscles and is doubtful for tomorrow's game at the Riverside.

Others on the injury list include Adam Wagstaff, who is awaiting a hernia operation, John Eastham, who is recovering from surgery and Adam Lee.

However, Russell McKenna is likely to be involved again after impressing last weekend and Paul Mashiter, who is suffering from a suspected hernia, is hoping to feature.

Hughes believes a downpour ahead of kick-off would force the game to be postponed, buying him some time as his players recover from injury.

But, even if the game does go ahead, Hughes believes it's a great chance for his players to test themselves against higher division opposition.

"The back four will be strong as usual and if Neil Zarac partners Paul Mashiter up front, and Liam Friar as well, hopefully they can get some goals," he said.

Hughes has added 23-year-old midfielders Brian Fogarty and Liam Denim to his squad but both are unavailable this weekend.

Fogarty has signed from UniBond First Division outfit Bamber Bridge while Denim returns to the Showground following a spell with Salford.

Rams boss Vince Overson is hoping to welcome back Gareth Gardiner and Luke Hardman to a side looking for an improvement on last week's 3-1 defeat at Newcastle Town.

He said: "Things are still going okay, we have games in hand in the league and are still in the cups.

"I'm not concerned because the lads are performing well, we just need consistency and there are some things we can improve on."

LEE McEVILLY