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Long wait may be over for Brooker
DONCASTER Rovers striker Steve Brooker is set to make his home debut in tonight's pre-season game against West Bromwich Albion at the Keepmoat Stadium.
"I can't wait," said the 28 year-old forward who has yet to play a competitive game for Rovers since joining Rovers from Bristol City 18 over 18 months ago.
Brooker, who had the last of three ankle operations in the Spring, came on in the last quarter of last Wednesday's South West Challenge Cup clash against Harvant and Waterlooville.
"It was great to get on and put the kit on and get out there; there have been a lot off dark days over the last 18 months," he said.
"It has been great just to get back on to the training pitch to be honest.
"It went okay and I had no adverse reaction other than feeling a little bit stiff the following day, but that was the same for all the lads.
He added: "It was always the intention from a couple of weeks back that I would play some part in Devon.
"I stayed behind to do some extra running and fitness work with physio John Dickens when the rest of the lads went to Warwick University because I was a little bit behind the rest of the lads.
"I also needed to do some ball work before being ready to play and that's why I didn't play in the game against Barnstaple on the Monday.
"We trained Monday. Tuesday and Wednesdy so I was ready for the game on Wednesday night. Itwas great to be back out there and it made all that hard work pay off.
"I'd trained throughout the close season apart from two weeks after I got married.
"I'm training with the rest of the lads most of the time but, after being out for so long. I have to do things in moderation. I've got to be careful not to pick up an injury which is going to set me back.
"I'm getting there and I'm getting fitter every week and I'm hoping that that tonight's game will continue that progress."
Tonight's game will no doubt bring back happy memories for the Baggies. They sealed their return to the top flight at the stadium last season when completing the double over the Rovers.
Centre-back Shelton Martis played for Albion in the early-season win when the two sides met at the Hawthorns, but he sported the red and white of Rovers in the return following his move to South Yorkshire in the January transfer window.
The Baggies, who will celebrate their return to the top flight with a game against defening champions Chelsea on August 14, have won all three warm-up games.
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
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