Horlock back in the action

The 35-year-old, who has been sidelined with knee and shoulder injuries, played for an hour in the 2-0 defeat.

"It was hard work for Kevin but he will have enjoyed it because he loves playing," said Rovers No 2 Richard O'Kelly.

"It was good to have Kevin back playing again and he came through the game well, though I am sure he'll be feeling it a bit today."

Jason Price, who missed Sunday's 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town with a back problem, played a full game.

"The longer the game went on, the better Jason looked," said O'Kelly,

Striker Paul Heffernan, who came on as a second half substitute in the win over the Terriers after being out with a groin strain, came off after 45 minutes with a similar injury yesterday.

"Paul suffered a slight groin strain - I am not sure if it is a recurrence of the one he has had recently or a new one - but we hope he'll be for the Forest game on Saturday," said O'Kelly.

Fellow striker Bruce Dyer, recently recalled from a loan spell at Rotherham due to the club's injury and suspension problems, came off with "slight calf strain."

"Like Paul we are hoping that Bruce will be okay by the weekend," said O'Kelly.

Keeper Ben Smith played a full game and suspended striker Lewis Guy, who completes a three-match ban also played around 70 minutes.

Paul Green, Shaun McDaid, Craig Nelthorpe, Sam Hird and Gareth Roberts all played some part of the game.

"It was a good workout for both sides and there was some quality football," said O'Kelly.

Striker Mark McCammon, who suffered a a dislocated shoulder in the corresponding game last season, will again be missing at the City Ground on Saturday.

"Mark is making steady progess from his hamstring injury and there was some improvement yesterday, but I think that the weekend will be too soon for him." said O'Kelly.

Midfielder Martin Woods, sidelined for a similar amount of time, is also set to miss out on the Forest game.

"Martin has had a scan and that showed that there was a bit of a problem with a nerve in his back. He had jab and he is improving."