Doncaster Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll has conceded that it may be impossible for him to extend the loan deal of centre half Elliott Ward, with the defender's one-month deal from Coventry City expiring after Saturday's clash with Derby County.
The former West Ham United man has impressed during his time in Doncaster Rovers colours, netting an unforgettable goal against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.
However O'Driscoll reveals that the financial constraints could result in Rovers waiting until the summer to attempt to bring Ward back to the Keepmoat Stadium, with his contract at Coventry City coming to an end at the culmination of the season.
"Financially, we can't afford it," O'Driscoll said frankly when asked whether he would want to extend Ward's loan deal.
"We're hoping that Shelton Martis will now be fit. Elliott has done really well for us and we would definitely be interested in the summer, but at this point - again - you can not know what we can and can not do financially. If Shelton is fit, then the gap we had was plugged short-term to get one of our centre halves fit - and Adam Lockwood is looking okay at the minute and he is back in contention. Touchwood, that mini crisis seems to have eased somewhat."
