Doncaster Rovers: Injury blows could force Ferguson's hand in transfer market

Darren Ferguson says he will not hesitate to bring in attacking reinforcements if Nathan Tyson or Cameron Stewart face lengthy spells on the sidelines.
Cameron Stewart is stretchered off during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Gillingham.Cameron Stewart is stretchered off during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Gillingham.
Cameron Stewart is stretchered off during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Gillingham.

A spate of injuries overshadowed Saturday’s 2-2 draw with high-flying Gillingham, which saw Stewart and Andy Willliams score late on to rescue a point for Rovers.

On-loan winger Stewart suffered a whiplash-type injury to his neck after an horrendous looking fall in the closing stages.

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After being rushed to hospital he was later discharged on Saturday night and told to rest.

Nathan Tyson and Harry Middleton both aggravated hamstring muscles in the warm-up, while defender Andy Butler limped off in the second half with a groin strain.

“I think with Butler if he’s injured for a length of time we’ve got enough cover,” Ferguson told The Star.

“If Tyson and Cammy are out for any length of time, I’ll be getting players in.

“Cammy’s the most serious one,” he added.

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“Muscle injuries are muscle injuries. Depending on how severe the muscle injury is, it could be a length of time.

“Tyson’s hamstring hasn’t gone, but he felt it during the warm-up so we didn’t want to risk it.

“Cammy’s a head injury so that’s a different kettle of fish. We just hope it’s only muscular.

“He was in a lot of pain, the boy. I think everyone could see the way he fell. It wasn’t nice.”

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Stewart, who only rejoined Rovers on loan from Ipswich until the end of the season last week, had a bitter sweet day after scoring his fourth goal in Doncaster’s colours shortly before being stretchered off - a trademark free-kick that got his side back into the game at 2-1.

He appeared to land on his head after falling awkwardly in the dying moments of normal time, and the news of his discharge from hospital comes as an almighty relief to everyone who witnessed the accident.

Ferguson will now assess the extent of the injuries to him and Tyson before deciding whether to make a move in the current transfer window.

The Scot had already been keen on adding a different type of forward to his ranks, although he suggested after the game on Saturday that U21 striker Liam Mandeville, who came on for Curtis Main for the last 40 minutes, might be given another chance to stake his claim for a place.