Cardiff v Doncaster. Early team news

Last updated : 06 March 2009 By Michael Morris

The trio picked up knocks during Tuesday's 3-1 win over Barnsley but they are all likely to be okay to face Rovers in the first of five home games in the Bluebirds' next seven outings.

However, manager Dave Jones will be hoping some of his other injured players can also prove their fitness and return to the fold in time.

Striker Jay Bothroyd and winger Chris Burke (both calf), midfielder Stephen McPhail (stomach) and right-back Kevin McNaughton (hamstring) are all battling to be fit but it remains to be seen whether they will make it.

Should Burke be okay, he will face another battle to dislodge Peter Whittingham from midfield after he impressed against the Tykes in midweek - setting up the second goal and scoring the third.

Goalkeepers Tom Heaton (thigh) and Peter Enckelman (knee) remain sidelined.

Doncaster boss Sean O'Driscoll is waiting on the fitness of James O'Connor ahead of the trip.

The defender suffered an ankle knock against Derby last Friday and faces a race to face the Bluebirds.

Fellow defender Jos van Nieuwstadt is also a doubt for the clash as he looks to shake off a groin problem.

O'Driscoll has no other fresh injury or suspension worries, with striker Paul Heffernan likely to start after he shook off a knee knock to feature in the win over Charlton on Tuesday.

Long-term absentee Steve Brooker is expected to miss the rest of the season after the striker learned he faces surgery to resolve an ankle problem.

Rovers are currently on a fine run of form and have won nine of their last 11 league matches.

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