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Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton has suggested upcoming opponents Sutton United employ rugby-like tactics.

The two sides meet in a League Two clash on Tuesday night at Rovers' Memorial Stadium.

It is only 10 days since their last clash - a 1-1 draw at Sutton on February 5. Ahead of the re-arranged reverse clash, Barton has added fuel to the fire by questioning the tactics of Matt Gray's side.

That aforementioned stalemate saw the hosts commit 21 fouls compared to six by Bristol Rovers. Sutton also saw four players booked.

Now, Barton has made a tongue-in-cheek suggestion that tonight's game could do with legendary rugby referee Nigel Owens being the man in the middle.

"I’m hoping Nigel Owens comes across the border and referees this game," Barton said.

"The Six Nations started last week and Sutton’s play in that game was very physical and bordering at times, I was saying to the fourth official, 'this is like rugby, we’re watching rugby'.

"They’re playing for throw-ins. They’re playing for corners. Barging into people but that is League Two.

"Me bleating on about it is only going to steely their resolve to be even more physical and more disruptive than what they would be.

"We’re at our pitch again. It’s bigger and it’s got a lot more grass on it and the