WITH Tranmere just two points off the bottom of the Nationwide League Division One, Player-manager John Aldridge knows Rovers must take maximum points from their next two games, both at Prenton Park, against his old club Oxford United on Saturday (December 20) and Boxing Day (December 26), when Bury provide the opposition (both 3pm kick-offs).

It's not quite a crisis yet, but in a division as tight as this Rovers need to pull away from the relegation zone, otherwise they will face a real dogfight to extricate themselves from the bottom pack.

Who would have thought at the start of the season that Manchester City would be going into Christmas just below Rovers, a mere one point off the bottom?

Yet the table is so tight that Tranmere are just two wins off 13th place, but their lack of consistency, especially at the back, is costing them dear.

That is why Mr Aldridge wants his defenders to adopt a Scrooge-like mentality this festive period; he does not want to see goals 'gifted' to the visitors!

On the injury crisis front, the situation seems to be improving. Left-back Andy Thompson was given the all clear after seeing a specialist over a cartilage problem, centre-half Andy Thorn is training again after knee trouble and influential striker Lee Jones has made a miraculous recovery just 10 days after knee surgery. All have an outside chance of playing against Oxford on Saturday, but striker David Kelly and goalkeeper Danny Coyne are out until the New Year. Saturday's Prenton Park visit of Oxford United, and Boxing Day's visit of Bury, are crucial fixtures, particularly as Rovers have a seemingly tricky trip to Birmingham City on Sunday, December 28 (3pm).

Reflecting on his side's position, Mr Aldridge, who last week signed a new two-year contract, said: "I think we are a good team . . . I believe in the lads and just wish they would believe in themselves a bit more."

Tranmere Reserves, bottom of Pontin's League Division One, face Blackburn Reserves tonight (December 17, kick-off 7pm) at Prenton Park.

Like the first team, Rovers Reserves need to start winning to ease fears of relegation.

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