DONCASTER Rovers skipper Brian Stock has been withdrawn from the Wales World Cup squad.
Said manager Sean O'Driscoll:"We've talked to the Welsh medical people and told them that Brian is unfit - even though he has been playing for us.
"It did him no favours going to Russia (last month). He didn't play and he was stood around a lot and then had a long journey back.
"Although he has got a bad back, lack of movement gives him a problem.
"Once we get him warmed up we have to keep him warm at half-time; if he sits down he stiffens up and he has a problem. The international break gives us the opportunity to give him some treatment which hopefully will get his back right for the next time he is called up."
Stock, as has been the case prior to recent matches, will face a late fitness test ahead of tomorrow's Championship derby against fellow strugglers Barnsley at Oakwell.
Fellow midfielder Richie Wellens (groin) and James Coppinger (virus) will also face late tests.
Said O'Driscoll: "Richie doesn't like missing training and he doesn't like missing games and invariably he gets himself up and ready.
"He's had the problem for a couple of weeks. If he is 100 per cent he'll be in the squad, but we'll make a decision on that today.
"James missed the Sheffield United game with a sickness bug but he trained yesterday."
Looking ahead to tomorrow's game, O'Driscoll said: "It's another derby and everyone is looking forward to it.
"Barnsley played Ipswich on Tuesday night and I'm sure that Simon (Davey) will be pulling his hair out.
"They have dominated the game but come away with what seems like a 3-0 drubbing. But the people we sent to watch the game came back with a different view.
"They dominated for long periods and for an away team to force 18 corners is impressive.
On tomorrow's game, he said: "We want to play as well as we can and if we do that we'll keep everything crossed that we get what we deserve.
"If we'd have got that in the games we've played so far, then we wouldn't be where we are."
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