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Stock sets return date
DONCASTER Rovers skipper Brian Stock is on course to be back playing by the middle of January.
"My rehab is going really well and physio John Dickens is going to try to step things up a tiny bit," said the influential midfield, who hasn't played since ankle surgery two months ago.
"It has been frustrating but it has given me the chance to get my back 100 per cent. It has also given me the chance to build my strength up.
"Working with Ross, the fitness coach, has really helped me and I've put on 2kg, maybe a little bit more, and it's all muscle.
"People might say that, what with the back and the ankle, I've had a bad time with injuries over the last 18 months. But I've not missed that many games - particularly last season.
"I think that we have been playing okay while I've been out. We are scoring more goals than we were this time last year, though we are conceding more.
"If we can keep it a bit tighter at the back then we'll do okay because we've got goals in the team and we've got players with ability."
Stock, who hopes to be back in training within a month, says Rovers need to go on a run similar to last season to make sure of avoiding getting dragged into the relegation dogfight.
"We are down near the bottom and we need to start picking up more points; it is something that everyone is aware off," he said.
"It was always going to be a tough league because of the other squads. We also lost two key players during the summer.
"Injuries to key players haven't helped either.
"We've had the chance to have a bit of a break but we need to be ready to go against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
"We're going to be without Martin (Woods) due to suspension and we'll miss him because he's done very well."
Stock says that he has also been impressed by on-loan midfielder Simon Gillett - the man brought in to cover for him.
"I remember playing against Simon in a reserve game when he was a kid at Southampton and he left a good impression on me," he recalled.
"He's a strong little lad and he's fitted in very well with the way that the manager wants the team to play."
Meanwhile, Rotherham United midfielder Pablo Mills believes the impending arrival of Gary Roberts will boost the Millers' promotion aspirations.
Roberts, aged 22, is set to accept a contract offer at Don Valley Stadium until the end of the season, with the option of a further year, following an impressive two-week trial period.
Mills told The Star: "Gary has looked really sharp in training. I think most of the lads knew him already so he hasn't needed any time settling in .
"I think Gary could add something a bit different to the side. We have got a few defensive midfielders at the club at the minute so bringing in an attacking midfielder could add a new dimension to the team."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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