Taste of success laced with frustration at Bristol Rovers has only heightened Saunders' hunger

Bristol Rovers' promotion campaign was joyous and memorable for all involved, but after injury forced Harvey Saunders into a bit-part role, the rapid forward is only more hungry for prominence.

The 24-year-old has starred for the Gas in pre-season, scoring four goals in his five appearances. A superb lob against Melksham Town got him up and running before following that up with a superb brace at Chippenham Town. Saunders' fourth of an eye-catching summer came as a substitute in Tuesday's victory over Stoke City at the Mem, racing onto the end of Harry Anderson's through ball and tucking away the chance with confidence.

Last season was a paradoxical one for Saunders. He was delighted to be part of a collective success, with Rovers roaring to promotion, but it was a campaign that started promisingly for the forward on a personal note, only for injury issues to intervene.

With three goals to his name by the time Rovers went to Bradford City in October, Saunders suffered a head injury when competing for an aerial duel, leading to a very awkward landing which caused ankle ligament damage. He would spend several weeks on the sidelines, and with teammates finding form and cementing places in the team, the former Fleetwood Town man could not break into the manager's XI.

But a new season has produced fresh opportunities. The Gas are yet to replace attacking players Sam Nicholson, Elliot Anderson and Luke Thomas after their departures earlier this summer and that could offer Saunders a route into the team. He has returned from his summer break with a determination to make the most of it.

"It wasn’t the best season for me last season," he said. "As a collective, it was an unbelievable season for us and it was good to be part of,