Brooker to break Watford bond?

Watford gave Steve Brooker his first big break in football but the former trainee striker could put a right ol` dampener on Brendan Rodger`s managerial debut.

Brooker, who left Vicarage Road for Port Vale with just 2 Hornet substitute appearances to his name, is expected to make his Doncaster debut in Saturday`s 6 pointer in WD18 after joining on a 1 month loan deal from Bristol City.

Speaking on the prospect of facing Watford in his opening Rovers encounter, Brooker stated "It's funny how things come around, isn't it? I haven't been back [to Watford] since I left eight or so years ago. It's all part and parcel of the game…".

He might have only chalked up less than 45 minutes in the yellow shirt but Brooker has scored goals for fun for the Robins, is a terrace legend at Vale Park and is fast approaching 100 career strikes.

We hear he`s also pretty handy on the physical side of things to boot (nightclub brawl anyone?) so no doubt the striker will be a real handful for Jay Demerit and his merry band of men.

Still, the Hornets defence, who are already without the blond looks of Darren Ward [broken cheekbone], won`t have to face Darren Byfield - a striker who simply has a rather nasty habit of netting v Watford.

No thank god. He 's off serving some community service with Lee Hughes up in Oldham whilst lower league goal machine James Hayter is ruled out through injury.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.