Doncaster Rovers vs Hartlepool United FC - Butler hopes to answer Doncaster's call

Posted Thursday, November 17, 2016 by PA

Doncaster defender Andy Butler is expected to prove his fitness in time for the visit of Hartlepool.

Following a back injury Butler appeared as a second-half substitute during the recent FA Cup defeat at Oldham and, after starting at Exeter last week, he has returned to full training.

Defender Frazer Richardson faces a long spell on the sidelines after a scan this week confirmed he had damaged knee ligaments.

Striker Liam Mandseville is pushing for a recall, while Andy Williams (ankle), Gary McSheffrey (groin), Luke McCullough, Aaron Taylor-Sinclair (both knee) and Mitchell Lund (kidney) are all still out.

Hartlepool will make a late decision on goalkeeper Trevor Carson.

Carson flew back from international duty with Northern Ireland to start in Pools' 2-0 win against Cheltenham last weekend, but he was forced off with a dislocated finger.

He had been expected to feature for his country in their friendly against Croatia on Tuesday night but the injury ruled him out. However, he has undergone scans which have shown no further damage and he may yet line up against Rovers.

Liam Donnelly went off with a knock against the Robins but is fit to start, while fellow defender Rob Jones - a former caretaker boss at Doncaster - is not quite ready as he struggles with a hip problem.