Doncaster Rovers sweating on Jordan Houghton injury | Fergie slams Danny Hylton for alleged elbow

Doncaster Rovers are sweating on the fitness of key midfielder Jordan Houghton after the on-loan Chelsea youngster suffered a serious-looking knee injury in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Luton Town.
Jordan Houghton against Luton. Picture: Marie CaleyJordan Houghton against Luton. Picture: Marie Caley
Jordan Houghton against Luton. Picture: Marie Caley

The 21-year-old, an ever-present for Rovers in League Two this season, fell awkwardly in the second half of a bruising contest against the Hatters.

Boss Darren Ferguson said after the match: “It’s not looking good. He felt something go [in his knee]. I feel sorry for the boy because he is a great lad.

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“If it’s bad, I hope it isn’t too bad in terms of it being a really long-term one but the signs are not great so we will have to wait and see.”

Houghton has performed efficiently in the midfield holding role, a position he has made his own after Luke McCullough suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury during pre-season.

“He’s been outstanding,” said Ferguson.

“In terms of having a player in that position, he’s been the best in the league without question.

“He’s been very mature in his performances and he picks up things quickly.

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“I just hope, even if the boy misses the rest of the season, that it’s not a long term one. I have to think of the lad.

“He’ll have a scan as soon as we can get it and we’ll go from there.”

Meanwhile, Ferguson criticised referee Darren Deadman for his handling of Saturday’s game and said Luton striker Danny Hylton should have been sent off for an elbow on John Marquis.

“We could have had more protection from the referee,” he said.

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“Hylton is a very strong centre forward, and I wouldn`t normally speak about things regarding the opposition but his elbow on John Marquis is an absolute disgrace.

“How he is not sent off, they [the FA] have got to look at it. It is a clear elbow to his face. He shouldn’t be on the pitch.

“I am disgusted with it. He elbowed him straight in the face. He hasn’t looked at the ball. It was a terrible thing to do. He looked at him, waited for him and ‘bang’, he elbowed him.”