FOREST Green Rovers boss Mark Cooper is running the rule over former West Bromwich Albion man Noah Smerdon and ex-Middlesbrough winger Junior Mondal, writes Paul Joannou.

The duo are playing for Rovers on trial this afternoon at the Central League fixture against Plymouth Argyle.

Mondal, 21, is currently at Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division side Whitby Town. He was linked with a move to Sunderland and Grimsby Town earlier in the season.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Smerdon is currently at Gloucester City. The left-back recently had a trial at Premier League Watford and Tigers boss Chris Todd has tipped him for a bright future in the game.