PAUL Heffernan is looking to gun down Ipswich Town at the Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster in a Coca-Cola Championship fixture against Doncaster Rovers this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

Elvin King

PAUL Heffernan is looking to gun down Ipswich Town at the Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster in a Coca-Cola Championship fixture against Doncaster Rovers this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

The Yorkshire-based club's leading scorer from last season has yet to get off the mark this term but he is set to return after a two-game absence because of a groin problem against the Blues.

“It will be a tough game even though Ipswich haven't made the best of starts,” said the Irishman.

“They have got some very good players and I think that when they do go on a good run they'll shoot up the table.

“We've got to make sure that they don't start that run today.”

With James Hayter out, Lewis Guy 'unavailable' and James Coppinger facing a late fitness test, Heffernan is expected to come straight back in.

It is likely to be at the expense of 20-year-old Waide Fairhurst despite the fact that he scored on his starting debut in Tuesday's 3-1 defeat at West Bromwich Albion.

Heffernan became a fans' favourite after his exploits during the second half of last season when he notched nine of his 10 goals.

“When I first arrived at Doncaster I had problems with my groins, but I've not had any problems in recent years,” he added.

“But you're always likely to pick that sort of injury at this time of the year when the grounds are hard.

“Hopefully I can get myself back into the team and get off the mark and take it from there.

“It's not as bad as being out injured, but it can be frustrating being on the bench and difficult coming on with 10 to 15 minutes to go.

Often it takes five or 10 minutes to get into the game and every time you come on you can find yourself in a different situation.

“But whatever the situation you've got to try and make the most of the opportunity to catch the manager's eye.

“When everybody's fit there is a lot of competition for places - especially since Billy Sharp came in on loan.

“Both he and Waide (Fairhurst) did well on Tuesday and maybe they will start game today.”