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Rovers in good health
DONCASTER Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll is on course to start the new season with a full squad at his disposal.
Rovers begin the new Championship campaign with an awkward trip to Watford before hosting play-off semi-finalists Preston North End at the Keepmoat Stadium.
O'Driscoll's guided Rovers to a creditable 14th in the table last term but will be keen to avoid a repeat of the disappointing start which saw them win just two of their opening 16 league games.
"We hopeful that we should have everyone fit and available," Richard O'Kelly, his assistant, confirmed.
"That includes the lads who had operations over the summer.
"The medical team have already had a look at them and, so far at least, they are pleased with what they've seen."
Rovers will visit an outward-bounds camp in the Lake District as part of their preparations for the 2009/10 season and, as The Star revealed yesterday, they also hope to arrange a series of behind-closed-doors fixtures against top-flight opposition.
O'Kelly added: "Going there isn't so much about team bonding - because the boys have already got a good spirit - it's more about making sure their fitness levels are where we want them to be.
"Obviously they should have a bit of fun too.
"But if anyone starts larking around then it won't be too difficult to have them running up a mountain.
"Mind you, they'll all be running up a few while they're over there anyway!"
Rovers are bracing themselves for another bid from Nottingham Forest for centre-half Matt Mills despite turning down an offer - believed to be in the region of 2 million - earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell is "optimistic" that Matthew Kilgallon will remain at Bramall Lane next season.
The centre-half's future has been shrouded in doubt since it emerged that a host of Premier League clubs, including Roberto Martinez's Wigan Athletic, are investigating the possibility of luring him away from South Yorkshire.
He was an integral member of a back four which helped United reach last season's Championship play-off final, and the club are keen for Kilgallon to extend the three-and-a-half year contract he signed in January 2007.
Blackwell said: "I have held preliminary talks with Matt and those negotiations will continue when I return from holiday next week.
"Of course I want him to stay, and I am optimistic that he will."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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