DONCASTER Rovers manager Grant McCann expects veteran striker Billy Sharp to feature again before the end of the season - with the 40-year-old again sidelined for Saturday's League One home game with Reading.

Sharp has missed the last four matches with a calf problem and has not featured since the game at Bolton Wanderers on March 17.

With his contract at Rovers terminating this summer and the former Sheffield United and Leeds United man having a decision to make regarding whether he hangs up his boots after a long and illustrious career to enter into coaching or management or carries on playing, there has been speculation that the Sheffielder may have played his last game in the EFL.

McCann said: "I think he will (play again this season), but I don't know when.

Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann. Photo: Tony Johnson.

placeholder image — Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann. Photo: Tony Johnson.

"He's got a little bit of a tear in his calf, but Billy's optimistic and our physios are optimistic that we'll see him at some point again.

"I don't know what Billy's going to do next year, whether he wants to continue to play or go into coaching or management.

"He's obviously got some decisions to make himself and we haven't really had that conversation yet. So, we'll see."

McCann is continuing to assess central defensive duo Matty Pearson and Neill Byrne ahead of the weekend, with Rovers needing a win to effectively clinch their safety in League One.

Doncaster Rovers' defender Matty Pearson tackles Barnsley's Reyes Cleary. Photo: Tony Johnson.

Pearson came off with a dead leg in the Easter Monday loss to lowly Exeter City, while Bradford City loanee Byrne was also substituted in the first half due to a hamstring problem.

Sean Grehan could be in contention, with Jay McGrath (tonsilitis) is unlikely to be available again.

On Pearson and Byrne, McCann said: "We're still unsure. Matty trained today and Neill was out doing a little bit, so we've just got to give them the best chance really to be available, so we'll make a decision on that tomorrow morning.

"But it was nice to see the both of them out on the pitch today, so we'll see how they are over the next 24 hours or so before we can come back into training tomorrow (Friday).

"Neill went for a scan and it's very minimal, a bit like the scan that Brandon Hanlan had not so long ago on his hamstring.

It's actually less than that, which is pleasing for us and pleasing for Neil.

"Matty's just a severe dead leg, but he's been managing it over the last few days, managed to get out and do some work with us this (Thursday) morning in the training ground.

"So, with that sort of injury, you just need to get it moving and get it flushed through really, so that will do him a world of good being out there today.

"Sean Grehan's had another good week. There's one or two bumps and bruises through the group, but it's to be expected at this stage of the season."