Scotland snub an insult to Rovers, claims Woods

Woods is playing some of the best football of his career and his performances have caught the eye of Scotland manager Craig Levein.

However, after being snubbed yet again for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Spain, Woods has vented his frustration.

The former Leeds United and Sunderland midfielder, 24, thinks there is a misconception north of the border about the size and stature of his current employers.

He also believes Levein could have done far worse than booked a ticket for today’s Championship game between Rovers and Nottingham Forest at the Keepmoat Stadium.

“For the first time in my career, I was genuinely disappointed not to be in the Scotland squad this week,” said Woods. “I have been playing well and Craig Levein had even spoken to our chairman (John Ryan) to say that he liked me.

“But I think they have a lack of respect for Doncaster and I think they view us as a ‘small’ club,” he added. “I think that’s because of where the club has come from over the last few years.

“Hopefully, the Scotland manager will come down and watch a few more games and see if he is impressed. He could have done a lot worse than watch us this weekend. I think any neutral would enjoy our games.”

Rovers were a Conference outfit just seven years ago but are enjoying their third consecutive season in the Championship, sitting only three points off the play-off zone.

Woods, who joined Rovers in summer 2007, was handed the captain’s armband recently and also signed a new three-year deal to underline his view that the club is moving in the right direction.

“I wouldn’t have signed on again if this club was selling players and showing no ambition; there would be no point any player staying here if that was the case,” he admitted.

Woods knows that Championship football is no bar to a Scotland call-up because Levein’s latest squad features fives players from the second tier, including Barnsley’s Jay McEveley and Middlesbrough pair Barry Robson and Stephen McManus.

However, he admits that he is desperate for another opportunity in the top flight after failing to make the most of a move from Leeds to Sunderland five years ago.

“I played eight times in the Premier League for Sunderland but I was only 19 and thought I was out of my depth,” he said. “In hindsight, I shouldn’t have been thinking that way. That is one of my biggest regrets and something I want to put right.

“If someone takes a chance on me in the Premier League, or we get promoted, that will be brilliant,” he added. “It’s every player’s dream to play there and I am no different.”

Rovers are level on points with Forest and have yet to lose at home this season.

However, after picking up just one point from the last three games, manager Sean O’Driscoll is considering a recall for midfielder Brian Stock who, is still to commit his future to the club beyond the end of the season.

“I would have no qualms in putting him back in the team,” said O’Driscoll. “I think he has got to the stage where he’s fighting for his place back. He has done well when he’s come in off the bench and, if we feel Saturday’s game is one for him, we will put him in.”

Forest are unbeaten in eight league games and drew at home to Sheffield United in midweek.

Despite sizeable backing in the transfer market, manager Billy Davies still questions the ambition of the Forest board but O’Driscoll said: “They have a squad as strong as anything in the Championship. Most of the players on their bench would walk into any other Championship team. Give me Billy Davies’s problems any day!”

Forest have a poor record against Rovers – collecting one point from their last four visits to the town and failing to score in three visits to the Keepmoat.