Doncaster V Walsall at Keepmoat Stadium : Match Preview

08 February 2013 11:01
Doncaster V Walsall - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Syers struggling for Saddlers showdown

David Syers is a major injury doubt for Doncaster ahead of the visit of Walsall.

Syers sustained an ankle injury during the first half of Rovers' 2-0 defeat at Bury last Saturday and had to be substituted seven minutes into the second half.

The club are still waiting to discover the extent of the problem.

Fellow midfielder Martin Woods might be back in contention against the Saddlers after remaining on the sidelines at Gigg Lane.

Woods has been out since November with a thigh injury but completed 50 minutes in a practice game at Manchester United 11 days ago.

Boss Brian Flynn, who this week appointed David Williams as his assistant, insists he knows his starting XI but admits he has a selection dilemma when it comes to filling the bench.

"I'm in a great position because I've not got problems picking the team, I've got problems picking the substitutes," said Flynn. "That's even better - it makes it a strong squad.

"(QPR manager) Harry Redknapp had to put two goalkeepers on the bench the other week, just to fill it up. It can be difficult at all levels but not for me."

The likes of Robbie Blake, James Husband and Jordan Ball will be looking to get back into Flynn's squad after being overlooked last weekend.

Richard Taundry is battling to be in contention for Walsall's trip, although the clash may come too soon.

The versatile midfielder has missed the last three games with an ankle injury but resumed training on Thursday, with an outside chance of making Dean Smith's matchday 18.

Otherwise, manager Smith boasts a fully-fit squad as the Saddlers, currently in the play-off berths, aim to avenge their 3-0 opening-day defeat to Rovers.

Long-serving goalkeeper Jimmy Walker this week left the club by mutual consent and so will not be available, although he has been a fringe player this season and has failed to make a single first-team appearance.

Smith will again be without an assistant in the dugout at the Keepmoat Stadium after David Kelly left his position a little over a week after being appointed to link back up with Billy Davies at Nottingham Forest.

Kelly had replaced Richard O'Kelly following his move to Bristol City last month.

Source: PA