Morrison and Diouf provide lift for Owls and Rovers

Under the terms of his existing deal, which expires this summer, Morrison would have been automatically entitled to a new deal on his next start for the club.

Manager Gary Megson described the related clause in his contract as ‘dopey’ but talks over the last few days have resulted in its removal. Morrison, 32, is now free to play in the Owls’ remaining 18 league games without putting any further financial commitment on his employers.

The news is a welcome boost for Megson, who values the former Republic of Ireland international as an attacking option – if only as a substitute.

He scored in a rare start against Blackpool last weekend in the FA Cup but was back on the bench against Milton Keynes Dons in the league on Tuesday night.

The Owls, who drew 1-1 against the Dons, host Yeovil tomorrow and have no fresh injury problems.

Former Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers striker El-Hadji Diouf has committed his future to Doncaster Rovers until the end of the season.

Diouf made the final appearance of his existing short-term deal against Hull City in midweek but, despite interest from clubs including LA Galaxy and Anzhi of Russia, has decided to stay at the Keepmoat Stadium.

“I got a lot of offers from places far away from here but my kids go to school (in Manchester) and my wife has a business here,” he said. “I am enjoying playing football here so why not stay until the end of the season?

“It is one of my hardest challenges but I will do everything I can to help the club stay up,” he added.

“If we stay up this season, I know the club will be doing everything next season to get into the top six.”

Manager Dean Saunders was desperate to hang on to Diouf after losing his other main striker, Billy Sharp, to Southampton in a £2m deal this week.

Diouf has been allocated the No 10 shirt vacated by Sharp and his new deal includes the option of another season if Rovers survive.

Saunders said: “He has got to keep on doing what he’s been doing. He has got a flash of genius in him.

“He’s not an out-and-out goal-scorer, he’s more a supplier but because he is a Premier League player he can get goals at this level.”

The former Liverpool and Bolton man made the surprise move in October and has scored three goals in 10 appearances.

Rovers are close to signing defender Habib Beye on a permanent deal.

The 34-year-old is on loan at Rovers until the end of the season, but has impressed Saunders enough to earn a permanent stay with the deal set to go through before tomorrow’s game with Reading.

“We are trying to keep him for 18 months and we are trying to do that soon,” added Saunders.