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SHORT STAY?: Rovers hope that Dino Melitas' will opt to stay at the club after interest from other teams.

ROVERS are already facing a fight to hold on to new signing Dino Melitas, after a number of clubs expressed an interest in the American forward.

Melitas, who comes with a high profile having previously been on the books of Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire, was given a brief taste of life at the Victoria Ground on Saturday, when he made his debut as a 73rd minute substitute in the 0-0 draw with Swindon Supermarine.

The 22-year-old only joined the Greens last week along with loanee Laurence Lambley from Rushden and Diamonds.

And Rovers caretaker boss Duane Darby is remaining hopeful that the former USA Freestyle Football champion will stay put.

He said: "There are other clubs looking at him. He wants to play as high as he can, and he is going to have a look at other clubs.

"That is the arrangement we had with him. We worked hard behind the scenes to get him in.

"I am hoping he will want to be involved again on Saturday."

Darby believes his side got what they deserved in Saturday's stalemate.

They are going through a goalscoring crisis, having only found the net twice in their last six league games.

And he admitted they have a lot of work to do as they search for an attacking spark.

"At the time it was two poor teams, nobody deserved to lose and nobody deserved to win," said Darby.

"Everyone knows where we are lacking.

"It is not that we are missing chances, we are not creating chances, which is a worrying aspect."

The recall of Neil Davis was a major surprise in Darby's team selection against Supermarine.

And the manager was quick to praise the former Aston Villa striker, who had been on loan at Midland Alliance side Stratford Town.

"Davo worked his socks off without any joy," Darby added.

"We have lacked someone up there closing defenders down.

"I played 11 against 11 in training and he looked sharp with the runs that he made, and he finished well. I thought it was time to give him a chance."

Rovers will be without Matt Birley for a second consecutive week when they travel to play-off hopefuls Brackley this Saturday.

Birley has picked up five bookings and will serve a one-match ban.

Defender Daryl Burgess has also ruled himself out through work commitments, but the Greens are sweating on the fitness of Les Hines and Andy Jones.

9:19am Wednesday 5th March 2008

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