Doncaster Rovers: Williams '˜ahead of schedule' - but in meantime Fergie has a forward plan

But, in the meantime, Darren Ferguson says he has found a solution for coping without the seven-goal striker.

Williams formed an excellent partnership with John Marquis before damaging his ankle ligaments against Barnet last month.

His absence initially handed an opporunity to teenage striker Liam Mandeville.

But Ferguson says the way Marquis linked up with James Coppinger and Tommy Rowe against Wycombe has provided a “solution to the problem”.

The trio are among a group of players who could be rested for today’s FA Cup first round tie at Oldham Athletic.

Rowe will definitely sit today out despite being given the all-clear on a foot injury sustained last weekend.

But those three now look set to be in tandem when Rovers return to League Two duty at Exeter on November 12.

Asked this week if he was still in the market for free agents, Ferguson replied: “Not so much, in terms of what I saw last week from Coppinger, Marquis and Rowe.

“I felt we had a certain problem there if others weren’t up to speed but I think we’ve found the solution to the problem, which is what we always try and do. Now Tommy’s going to be fine I don’t feel any reason to bring anyone else in.”

He added: “And also Williams is ahead of schedule.

“He’ll miss November but he’ll be back for December.”

Williams is targeting a return to action on December 10 when Rovers travel to the current League Two leaders Plymouth Argyle.

The FA Cup second round is scheduled for December 3.