‘Not a time to gamble’ - Grant McCann’s injury update on Doncaster Rovers defenders Jamie Sterry and Matty Pearson

Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann says Jamie Sterry is still a little bit away from making his return to first team duties.

The 30-year-old right-back was selected to start all of the team’s opening four matches across all competitions - and notably hit the headlines when he scored against Stockport County in the penalty shoot-out triumph with a coolly taken panenka from 12 yards.

Sterry was Rovers’ only fit right-back at the time due to Tom Nixon’s injury, but has since left McCann with a real shortage in that area of the pitch after sustaining a hamstring injury against Middlesbrough which forced him off at half-time.

The former Newcastle United man has missed the last five matches across all competitions and wasn’t risked against AFC Wimbledon despite McCann hinting earlier in the month that the fixture could be a possible return date.

Commenting on the situation, the Rovers boss said: “He’s still a wee bit away. Like I said last week it’s not a time to be taking gambles.

“Particularly with the amount of games coming up. As we don’t wanna be losing any players. When Jamie’s right to play he’ll let us know.”

McCann’s comments came in the aftermath of a disappointing 1-0 defeat to AFC Wimbledon, where the team despite dominating possession and chances at goal fell to defeat.

In further bad news, Rovers were forced to take off defender Matty Pearson just six minutes into his League One comeback at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

Pearson, who had only returned to the matchday squad during the EFL Trophy loss to Huddersfield Town, had previously missed the opening seven matches of the season through a calf injury.

Commenting on the extent of Pearson’s injury, McCann said: “I don’t know it’s too early to say. But he couldn’t carry on so we had to make a change.”