Rovers to rule on Byfield loan

DARREN BYFIELD

ATHLETIC were today waiting to discover whether Doncaster Rovers will permit on-loan striker Darren Byfield to stay at Boundary Park.

The 32-year-old forward completed an initial month after Saturday’s Coca-Cola League One match at Peterborough.

Manager John Sheridan had talks yesterday with Sean O’Driscoll, his counterpart at Doncaster, and is now awaiting a reply to his request to keep Byfield for a second month.
“John would like to keep Darren, who is also to stay, and the decision is now down to Doncaster,” explained chief executive Alan Hardy who expects to hear from the Yorkshire club today.

Should Byfield remain, he will be available for the league fixtures over the hectic Christmas/New Year period.

Wolves have recalled on-loan Daniel Jones so they can take charge of his recovery from injury.

The 22-year-old damaged ankle ligaments in Saturday’s 2-2 draw and is waiting for the swelling to go down so he can have a scan which will reveal the extent of the injury.

There has been some good news for the left-sided Jones, who remains an Athletic player until January 3, as an X-ray has revealed no break.

“Wolves contacted us yesterday saying they would like Daniel back so their medical team can take care of him,” said Mr Hardy.

Sheridan has expressed a wish to keep Jones for a longer period, though that is likely to depend on the extent of the injury and length of his absence as well as whether Wolves are willing to extend his stay.

Young defender Paul Black is recovering at home after surgery to overcome a long-standing ankle problem.

Black had an overnight stay at Highfield Hospital and the operation is understood to have been a success.