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[Dons News]

Dons head coach Gary Thornton had some positive news on the injury front ahead of the friendly against Sheffield Eagles.

Mark Aston brings his side to the Keepmoat Stadium for the first of three pre-season home games before the Kingstone Press League One season gets underway on March 5.

Half back Jordan Howden is set to play some part after getting the all clear to return to competitive action following a hip problem which hampered him for much of last season.

“As long as we manage the situation well, the specialist told us he will be able to contribute this season,” said Thornton.

“He will probably need surgery in the next close season, but I think the lad is just happy to know what the problem is now and focus on playing.”

Whilst there was another boost for Thornton with the news that full back Tom Carr is available once again, it was slightly soured by the fact that Howden’s half back partner Jordie Hedges will sit the game out.

Hedges joins team-mates Mark Castle and Makali Aizue on the side-lines, but Thornton is confident those players won’t be far off once the season gets underway.

“Jordie is suffering with tendonitis in his knee so we’re probably looking at another couple of weeks with that one,” he added.

“Makali Aizue is still working his way back after knee surgery at the end of last season, as is the case with Mark Castle who took a knock to his knee in training.

“The situation is the same with those two, I’m hoping within the next two weeks we will see them back in the frame.”

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