'Way off' - Fresh Billy Sharp update as Doncaster Rovers' chief aim becomes crystal clear

The veteran centre-forward has missed the past four matches with a calf-related injury. The latest of those games was the sobering 3-0 setback away at Exeter City on Easter Monday. Sharp, 40, has not featured for Rovers since a late cameo away at Bolton in mid-March. When asked about the striker, manager Grant McCann provided a brief update to the Free Press: "Billy's a way off," he said. "He's a way off at this moment in time and we're just taking it day by day with him."

The timescale of Sharp's lay-off, combined with his age, will have fans worrying as to whether he has played his final game for the club with his contract expiring this summer. There is no extension option inserted into the deal and is has previously been mooted that the former Sheffield United man may well retire at the end of this season.

Speaking about the topic as recently as January, Sharp told Football League World: "I'm still enjoying myself. I've still got targets to hit. And I still love being around it every day. Did I think about retiring end of last season? I did on a promotion. But I loved it too much, and I had other things to still chase."

Rovers have five league games remaining this season and currently sit just four points above the relegation places with an inferior goal difference compared to the majority of those around them.

McCann was understandably fuming at the performance posted down in Devon as Rovers suffered back-to-back losses. He's now made it crystal clear as to what the aim is between now and May 2: simply confirming their status in League One as they look to avoid an immediate return back to the fourth tier.

He said: "There's lots we need to address but we need to make sure we finish the job and stay in this division firstly. Hopefully we can do that over the next five games."

Rovers host Reading this coming Saturday.