James Coppinger set for Rovers return

Posted Sunday, December 24, 2017 by PA

Doncaster are likely to call on James Coppinger for the Boxing Day clash with Northampton.

Coppinger did not travel with the squad to Bristol Rovers on Saturday, despite being fit after a groin injury, in order to save him for the visit of the Cobblers.

Matty Blair is a doubt with a groin injury which has kept him out since December 3.

Defender Craig Alcock is pushing for a start after he made his comeback from a calf problem by being an unused sub in Rovers' 1-0 win at Bristol Rovers.

Penalty hero David Cornell will hope to retain his place in the Northampton side after earning his side a point against Blackburn on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Cornell's late spot-kick save from Marcus Antonsson secured a 1-1 draw with high-flying Blackburn as he made his mark while deputising for the injured Matt Ingram.

Defender Aaron Pierre limped off before the break after scoring the opening goal and will be a doubt, but striker Sam Hoskins returned as a second-half substitute after overcoming an ankle injury and will hope for further involvement.

Daniel Powell continues to work his way back from a hamstring problem, but fellow midfielder Matt Crooks will sit out once again as he completes a two-match ban following his second red card of the season against Walsall last weekend.