NATHAN Byrne will not be available to Swindon Town manager Mark Cooper when he takes his side to Tranmere Rovers tonight.

The full-back, who has missed Town’s last two outings with a grade one hamstring tear, is close to a return to full fitness but Cooper reckons the visit of Sheffield United to the County Ground on Saturday is a more realistic proposition.

“He’s had a session with the physio but (Tranmere) will probably be too soon,” said the Swindon boss. “I would think he would be definitely fit for the weekend.”

Alex Pritchard continues to miss out as he serves the second match of a three-game ban, while Ryan Mason could be out until the end of the season as he recovers from an ankle operation.

Nile Ranger was reportedly arrested in Liverpool on Sunday morning following an altercation with a taxi driver but Cooper did not want to be drawn on the subject.

“I’ve not seen him. Until he’s fit for selection I’d rather concentrate on the others,” he told the Adver.