STEPHEN McPhail has been ruled out of Barnsley's derby clash with Doncaster Rovers with an injury dating back to a previous bad-tempered match between the South Yorkshire rival clubs. McPhail has a knee problem. The ligaments were damaged in 2004 by a John Doolan tackle and the former Irish international has suffered on and off with it since. Barnsley manager Andy Ritchie has confirmed McPhail will not be risked tomorrow at Belle Vue. Good news was that he should be back for Barnsley's trip to Tranmere a week tomorrow. Winger Chris Shuker will take a fitness test tomorrow. He twisted his ankle in Barnsley's last fixture - the 2-0 home win over Bristol City. Barnsley have suffered four consecutive defeats to Doncaster in two seasons. The Barnsley camp have played down their poor form against the neighbours and a disciplinary record that has brought more than one red card per game in previous matches. "It's just another game on the road for us," Ritchie said. "We have been a bit up and down away from home. "This is a local derby and form goes out of the window on these occasions. "We have to be very much on our guard, Doncaster are a dangerous team." Barnsley go into the game intent on remaining in the play-off pack while Rovers lurk dangerously close to the relegation places. Barnsley have both Neil Austin and Matt Carbon back from suspension. Brian Howard will keep his place in the team in McPhail's absence. Barnsley (from): Colgan, Hassell, Kay, Reid, Heckingbottom, Shuker, Burns, Howard, Devaney, Hayes, Richards, Flinders, Carbon, Austin, Nardiello, Wright, Heslop, Williams, Wroe. n Andy Ritchie will try to keep Anthony McParland and Michael Coulson after their trials impressed him. "I'll be having a chat with the chairman; if we can do anything, I'd like to. "Kyle Nix did well, as well, and I'd like to see him in another game." 10 February 2006 « Previous Page Next »
