Butler replacements are ready insists Fergie

Butler has been ruled out of action with a groin injury which he suffered during last weekend’s draw.

For today’s trip to struggling Fleetwood Town, Ferguson faces a choice between Gary MacKenzie and Mitchell Lund for who will replace Butler in Rovers’ back three.

But he says every player in his squad is well-versed in the intricacies of his favoured systems.

“All the ones that haven’t been playing know the system and they do the same work on the training ground,” he told The Star.

“We don’t just get the starting XI involved, everyone works on it so they know exactly what we’re after.

“There’s the possibility of Gaz coming in as a direct replacement for Andy.

“Or I could bring in Mitchell Lund and move Luke McCullough into the middle which is how we ended up against Gillingham.

“That was good because it gave me a lot of really good pace at the back.”

Should MacKenzie get the nod, it will be only his 11th start since arriving at Rovers in the summer.

And Ferguson feels the 30-year-old centre half has been unfortunate with injuries this term.

He said: “If Gaz comes in then it’ll be an opportunity for him.

“He’s been really unlucky with injuries. He got injured in my first game here.

“I know all about him though and he’s done very well in this league. He’s a good player.”

Harry Middleton and Cameron Stewart will also miss today’s game.