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But Merson has been forced to rule Roper out of his plans for another week as the experienced centre-back continues recovering from his hamstring injury.

Merson said: "It's a real shame because Milton Keynes have Clive Platt up front and Ian Roper has always done really well against him in the post.

With experienced defender Steve Staunton still struggling with a sore calf, the loss of Gerrard would leave Merson with just two fit centre-backs in Chris Westwood and Julian Bennett.

But the manager is reasonable confident that Gerrard will shake off his hamstring problem in time to play in a back four that will welcome back full-back Craig Pead from a one-match suspension.

Merson has confirmed that the former Coventry man will be given an immediate recall with Mark Wright, who filled in at right-back at Port Vale on Saturday, moving back to his preferred midfield role.

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