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Rovers hit by injuries
DONCASTER Rovers could be forced to make three changes to their starting line-up in today's South Yorkshire Champion derby against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
Centre-back Sam Hird will definitely miss the game after being sent-off after picking up a second booking in the closing stages of Rovers 3-0 win over visiting Scunthorpe on New Year's Day.
Both skipper Brian Stock and centre-back Shelton Martis look to be facing a race against time to make today's game.
Midfielder Stock left the ground on crutches after picking up a leg injury in an off-the-ball foul on the hour mark, whilst Martis was substituted early in the first half with what appeared to be an ankle injury.
If Stock is ruled out Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll could decide to start with Dean Shiels, who impressed when coming off the bench on Saturday, or go with Simon Gillett.
The former Southampton man, sidelined for over two months with a knee ligament injury, was an unused substitute.
Adam Lockwood looks likely to start in the back-four with former Barnsley man Dennis Souza in line to join him if Martis fails to prove his fitness.
The game will see Rovers record buy Billy Sharp play against the Blades at Bramall Lane for the first time.
Ineligible to play against his hometown club during a season-long loan at the Keepmoat Stadium last season, Sharp was one of the scorers in Rovers 2-0 home win in October.
He put himself in the right frame of mind for today's game by scoring against another of his former clubs at the weekend. "Every goal is special to me - not just scoring against Scunthorpe,." said Sharp. "I like scoring every week and it's my aim to do that."
Sharp is assured of a warm welcome from the United fans, for whom he has total respect.
"It was a weird feeling playing against Sheffield United for the first time, but I enjoyed it," he said.
"Obviously picking up the (hamstring) injury took the edge off it, but hopefully I'll stay fit this time and have another enjoyable afternoon.
"United lost at Burnley on Saturday so they are going to be even more pumped up. They won't want us to do the double over them so they'll be eager to pick up a good result."
The game will mark new manager Mickey Adams first match in charge at Bramall Lane. "He's got experience and he's got people promoted," said O'Driscoll. "He knows the club and he's played there and I think that he will be a good appointment."
O'Driscoll, who was reportedly United's first choice at one stage prior to ruling out a move down the M1. expects the appointment of Adams to make Rovers prospects at Bramall Lane all the tougher.
"You always get a response from the players when you appoint a new manager," he said. "So the players will be up for it - the crowd certainly will with it being a derby.
"I think all the players, especially Billy, are all looking forward to it."
Having already beaten the Blades at home, Rovers will go into the game knowing that victory would secure them their first league double over their South Yorkshire rivals.
"We haven't had the chance to do it often before because we've rarely been in the same league, so it's a bit of a false statistic I suppose," said the Doncaster boss.
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Weather for Sheffield
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
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Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
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