Doncaster v Reading preview

Martis set for second Doncaster debut

Last updated: 5th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Doncaster v Reading preview

Martis: Set for second bow

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Doncaster manager Sean O'Driscoll is expected to include Shelton Martis in his side for the evening clash which will be screened live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1.

The Dutch defender, who spent a month on loan at the Keepmoat in late 2008, signed a three-and-a-half-year deal this week after Rovers agreed an undisclosed fee with West Brom.

Martis will provide cover for the injured Adam Lockwood, who is nursing his second metatarsal injury of the season, and Jason Shackell, who has had surgery on a groin problem.

Striker Dean Shiels is expected to make the starting line-up alongside Billy Sharp, while young midfielder Jordon Mutch is hoping to play a bigger role after two substitute appearances.

O'Driscoll has no further injury or suspension concerns and will be aiming to halt a worrying run of form which has seen his side lose every one of their last three encounters.

Reading news

Shane Long's goal earned Reading a 1-0 victory over Barnsley last weekend and the Republic of Ireland international looks set to keep his place, with Simon Church, Grzegorz Rasiak, Nicholas Bignall and Gunnar Thorvaldsson all vying to partner him in attack.

Marek Matejovsky, however, remains on the sidelines with an abdominal injury and is expected to be out for around another fortnight.

Zurab Khizanishvili is still waiting to make his debut after signing on loan from Blackburn last month while Matt Mills will come up against his former side.

Noel Hunt (knee), Chris Armstrong (knee) and Julian Kelly (shoulder) are long-term casualties.