Friday 09 May 2008 at 08:15

Doncaster Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll is sweating on the fitness of two key players ahead of the first leg of the club's League One playoff semi-final against Southend United on Friday.

The South Yorkshire side are 5/6 favourites at Betfred to reach the Wembley final, despite having won only three of their last ten games on the way to finishing third.

They are 23/10 with VC Bet to win at Roots Hall on Friday, when they will be without defenders Sean McDaid and Steve Roberts.

Jason Price and Paul Green face late fitness tests on respective hamstring and ankle problems, although O'Driscoll told the club's official website: "Both players will travel and we are hopeful that both will be fit."

Southend also have injury problems, with Che Wilson, Lewis Hunt and Richie Foran ruled out of the playoff campaign. However, Lee Barnard and Damian Scannell have shaken off calf and groin complaints respectively to make themselves available.

The Shrimpers are 13/10 favourites with VC Bet to win the first leg but can be backed at 6/5 with Stan James to reach the final, despite having lost only one of their last 15 league matches.

Leeds United, who play Carlisle United in the other semi-final next week, are 13/8 favourites with 888Sport to win the playoffs.

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