Caretaker coach Paul Heckingbottom says it is a blow that they will be without left-sided players Adam Hammill and Aidy White for the coming games.

White was stretchered off with an ankle injury in the win over Doncaster Rovers whilst Hammill was red carded at Bury and faces a three game ban after the club decided not to appeal the decision.

Heckingbottom said: "You can see why he's got the red card. I do believe there was no intent in the tackle but there's nothing we can do about it.

"It's not just the experience we'll miss it's the fact that they are two of our better players. It's what they bring on the pitch that we will miss the most."

White's injury has been assessed and although there is no time scale on how long he will be out, Heckingbottom is confident he won't miss the rest of the season.

He added: "He went straight to hospital and had an x-ray and there was nothing conclusive other than there was not a break that could be seen. We know Aidy and the type of lad he is and you could tell it was serious straight away.

"He's had his scan and there is a rupture of one of the ligaments but it's the least important one but there is a grade two tear to the other ligament which is more important.

"We're going to treat it conservatively at the minute with rehab and go down that route. The specialist was happy that he didn't need surgery. We're optimistic that he is going to play again this season."