FRANCIS HOPES TO KEEP ELVIS AT ROVERS

The 20-year-old striker made an impressive debut in the goalless draw at Shrewsbury on Saturday  and Francis is hoping he can persuade Fulham boss Jean Tigana to let him stay in the West Country for the rest of the campaign.

"I think Elvis is just happy to be involved and playing first-team football," Francis said.

"Who knows whether we could take him on loan for the season, but it could be a possibility. There's no chance of us buying him because we haven't got any money.

"He has pace, a bit of power and an eye for a goal ‚Çô and in some ways he reminds me of Nathan Ellington.

"I've seen him a few times and it was handy he was available because we weren't sure how long we were going to be without Nathan and Ross Weare.

"It's important to have as many forwards fit and available as possible ‚Çô especially boys who are quick and have a bit of quality."

Hammond has signed for an initial month for The Pirates after front-men Nathan Ellington and Ross Weare both suffered injuries recently.