Doncaster Rovers v Nottingham Forest: Rovers scour market in search for striker

DONCASTER ROVERS’ attempts to bring in a striker on loan will continue ahead of tonight’s visit of Nottingham Forest.

Sean O’Driscoll’s squad has been left decimated by injury with no less than nine players having already been ruled out despite the Championship season being just 11 days old.

Nowhere are the Rovers manager’s options more limited than up front with Billy Sharp out for three months and James Hayter also confined to the sidelines.

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On Saturday against West Ham United, the deficiency meant Chris Brown had to play the full 90 minutes up front on his own even though the striker is far from being fully match-fit.

Such meagre pickings in attack meant Doncaster lacked a cutting edge as the Hammers claimed a 1-0 win.

Doncaster chairman John Ryan said last night: “We are trying to get someone in. We have nine players out injured, including Billy Sharp, and that is a lot for any club to cope with.

“We have plenty of spirit but no strikers. We did well in the second half on Saturday but just couldn’t get the goal our play deserved.”

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Rovers, tipped by many pundits to struggle this term, are one of four clubs in the Championship still without a point after two games.

Despite that and O’Driscoll’s lengthy injury list, there have been grounds for optimism – not least on the opening day at Brighton & Hove Albion where the Yorkshire club led until the 83rd minute.

Ryan claimed: “We were robbed down at Brighton after a good performance, thanks mainly to their rough-arm tactics. Losing Billy like we did was a big blow.

“I am still stunned that he (Lewis Dunk) did not get punished, though we have since been told that the referee admits he got it wrong. Not, of course, that this helps us much now.

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“When we get our players back we will be fine. But until then we will have to show the same spirit we showed against West Ham on Saturday to get some points on the board.”

Last six games: Doncaster Rovers DDLLWL, Nottingham Forest WDLDDL.

Last time: Doncaster Rovers 1 Nottingham Forest 1; October 2, 2010; Championship.

Referee: A Woolmer (Northamptonshire).