Doncaster Rovers vs Sheffield United preview - McCullough may make Rovers return

Doncaster hope to have Luke McCullough back from international duty in time for the League One derby against Sheffield United at Keepmoat Stadium.

The defender is away with Northern Ireland but has been given special dispensation to fly back from Romania on the morning of the game.

On-loan Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has also been freed to feature by England Under-21s boss Gareth Southgate, but Dean Furman is absent due to South Africa commitments.

On-loan Blades defender Andy Butler cannot play against his parent club and Rob Jones remains sidelined through injury, but Nathan Tyson has returned to training after a knee problem.

Sheffield United boss Nigel Clough faces a selection dilemma in defence following the return of Paddy McCarthy on loan from Crystal Palace.

Clough must decide whether to include McCarthy in his starting line-up or stick with Chris Basham and Craig Alcock at the heart of defence, while Jay McEveley is also in contention having been rested in midweek.

The Blades are short on strikers, though, with neither Michael Higdon (hamstring) or Marc McNulty (facial injuries) expected to feature.

Clough made five changes for Wednesday night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy defeat at Walsall and goalkeeper Mark Howard, wingers Jamal Campbell-Ryce and Jamie Murphy, plus striker Jose Baxter are all hoping to return to the side.