Rovers midfielder undergoes surgery
MIDFIELD dynamo Martin Woods had a double hernia operation earlier in the week - but manager Sean O'Driscoll still expects him to report back for pre-season training with the rest of the squad next Monday.
O'Driscoll said: "Martin had a slight problem towards the end of last season and we had him checked out but it wasn't felt necessary to do anything about it then.
"He came in to do a bit of extra preparation recently and felt it again so we thought he might as well have the operation now and get it over with.
"Again it's something that could have been left, according to the medical people, and it might not have troubled him but it seemed better to have the surgery done."
The Doncaster boss said the recovery rate from hernia operations was now faster than ever before and he expected Woods to be running again next week and fit again for full training in a fortnight.
It means that the former Rotherham man could be ready for the friendly against his old club at the Don Valley Stadium on July 25.
Before that Rovers have two other pre-season clashes arranged with the first coming next Wednesday at Armthorpe Welfare - just two weeks after starting back in training.
O'Driscoll said: "It's a chance for the players to get an early feel of the ball and start trying to pass it around again.
"Obviously it will be competitive but far less intense and there won't be tackles flying in like there might be otherwise.
"It's a game that both teams can get plenty out of and we will approach it in the right way and prepare as if we were playing a league game."
Rovers beat local side Rossington Main 9-1 in their opening friendly last year but O'Driscoll said: "Games like this are not about trying to put as many in the net as possible and, if you remember, Rossington scored first last year.
"There are other things I will be looking at and it won't just be a stroll in the park."
The Doncaster boss intends to take his entire first team squad and change the side around at half time to give all his players a game.
Players like Brian Stock, Matt Mills, Steve Brooker and James Coppinger, who required operations towards the end of last season, are all hoping to have a runout.
* Rovers' supporters club annual general meeting will be held next Thursday at the Keepmoat Rovers Bar (7.30pm) and all fans are welcome to attend.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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