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WARD OUT OF DONNY CLASH

WARD OUT OF DONNY CLASH

Ward - won't feature

Watford boss Brendan Rodgers will be without defender Darren Ward for his first game in charge of the Hornets against Doncaster on Saturday.

Ward suffered a hairline fracture of a cheekbone against Bristol City on Tuesday night and as his loan would have expired after Saturday's game, has returned to parent club Wolves.

That should see Leigh Bromby return to partner Jay DeMerit at the heart of defence as Rodgers prepares to begin his managerial career.

The former Chelsea reserve-team coach has pledged to change the 'footballing philosophy' at Vicarage Road so could make sweeping changes.

Goalkeeper Scott Loach is fit after two months out with an abdominal injury while Grzegorz Rasiak will be hoping for a recall.

Mart Poom (dislocated shoulder) is the only player currently out injured for the Hornets, while Rodgers could hand a debut to Chelsea midfielder Liam Bridcutt after raiding Stamford Bridge to sign the 19-year-old on loan.

Doncaster will be without injured striker James Hayter for the trip.

Hayter hurt his knee in the goalless draw with Nottingham Forest in midweek and has been ruled out for two months. Paul Heffernan is expected to replace him at Vicarage Road.

Gordon Greer will return to contention for his first appearance of the season after struggling with a long-term groin injury and fellow defender Adam Lockwood was also back in training this week following a back injury.

Defender Jos Van Nieuwstadt is still out with a hamstring problem, while Sean McDaid remains a long-term absentee with a knee injury.

Manager Sean O'Driscoll has no other new injury or suspension problems as his side look to clinch only their fourth league win in 19 matches.