Return of Jordan Rossiter provides something Fleetwood Town have lacked says coach Barry Nicholson

The 23-year-old returned from 12 months out injured with a 45-minute appearance in last week’s EFL Trophy win over Sunderland, then Rossiter came off the bench for the closing stages of Saturday’s 4-1 League One win at Bristol Rovers.

Rossiter was a loanee from Rangers when he suffered that severe knee ligament injury last November. Now he’s at Highbury on a permanent basis and Nicholson says it’s great to have the player fit and available.

The first-team coach said: “Sunderland was a target game for him. The manager and medical staff were all keen just to get him 45 minutes and that was why he came off at halt-time. I thought he did well.

“He’s a brilliant ball-stealer for us, which is something we’ve probably missed in the middle of the park.

“He steals the ball from nowhere, breaks up play and gives it to our players to set the platform.

“It’s great to see him back. He’s an infectious character and his attitude and application to training to get himself back to fitness – not only with the first team but with the young players on a Saturday morning – has been magnificent. It’s a great credit to him.”

Another to impress Nicholson as Town made it three wins out of three in their EFL Trophy group was Shayden Morris. He was also rewarded with a place on the bench on Saturday, though the 19-year-old didn’t come on for a league debut.

Nicholson added: “Shayden is an out and out winger, so for a young player to fill in at right wing-back for us second half was good.

“The manager gave him a bit of praise on his fitness because he’s struggled a bit but he worked hard through 90 minutes. Good performance.”