Doncaster Rovers search for emergency deal after being hit by loan recall before Sunderland game

Doncaster Rovers are attempting to sign a goalkeeper on an emergency loan deal ahead of Sunderland’s visit on Saturday afternoon.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Darren Moore’s first-choice stopper, Josef Bursik, has been recalled from his loan spell by parent club Stoke City.

Stoke City were this week rocked by the news that Southampton loanee Angus Gunn is reportedly set to be missing for around six weeks due to injury. Andrew Davies, Michael O’Neill’s other senior option, had already been ruled out for six to eight weeks.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Bursik has been ever-present in the league this season, and made his England U21 debut in a 5-0 win over Albania earlier this week.

Doncaster goalkeeper Josef Bursik has been recalled by Stoke CityDoncaster goalkeeper Josef Bursik has been recalled by Stoke City
Doncaster goalkeeper Josef Bursik has been recalled by Stoke City

Doncaster are now searching for a short-term replacement, though youngster Louis Jones is on stand-by to make his league debut.

In a club statement, the League One side said they were hopeful of strengthening before the game.

It reads: “Rovers are working on securing another goalkeeper on a short-term emergency loan and with the expectation that a the player will be in before Saturday while Louis Jones is ready to step up if required after impressive performances in both the Emirates FA Cup and Papa John’s Trophy.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We would like to thank Josef for his contribution to Rovers and wish him the best of luck back at Stoke.”

Sunderland are likely to be without Jordan Willis for the game. Willis delayed an injection in his patella tendon in order to play against MK Dons last week, with Tom Flanagan and Conor McLaughlin on international duty.

Flanagan and McLaughlin are expected to be available on Saturday, while Willis will require a period of around a fortnight’s rest after the injection.

Phil Parkinson should be able to call upon talented youngster Elliot Embleton, after opting to rest him for the 2-1 defeat to MK Dons.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Elliot is still a project going forward, really,” Parkinson had explained.

"As you can imagine, he was very stiff and sore after Tuesday night.

"The likelihood is that he won't be involved [against MK Dons], but there's no fresh injury with that. It's just that when you haven't played for over a year, your body is going to take a while to recover.

"But we're very pleased with him, and psychologically to get him through that game was huge.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of SAFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor