Gaffer seeking return to winning ways at Keepmoat Stadium.
Darren Ferguson wants his Doncaster Rovers team to get back to the standards that he has set, after seeing “levels drop” on Saturday and a 0-0 draw away at Fleetwood.Rovers return to home league action on Tuesday when they host Port Vale and the Scot sees it as the perfect opportunity to hit back.
“On Saturday, we dropped like you can – it happens – but it’s just a little reminder that we maintain our standards, especially with the ball which was the main thing for me,” he said.
“But in saying that, we dug out a 0-0, kept a clean sheet and if you’re not going to play well or win the game, then a draw with a clean sheet is the next best thing!
“What I said (after the Fleetwood game) was no different to what I said to them, so that’s not a problem. Anyone that was at the game and has seen us lately would no doubt agree, including the players.
“I’m a big believer in trying to maintain our standards because when we do, we’re a really hard team to play against.”
Ferguson – who saw instrumental playmaker Conor Grant hobble off early against Fleetwood - allayed fears that the Everton youngster will be out for too long but can call upon new loan signing Eddy Lecygne if necessary.
“He should be fine,” Ferguson said of Grant.
“He took a little bit of a dead leg which was sore today and after the game but he’s done a bit of running so he should be okay. I spoke to him and he seemed a lot better and if he gets the same amount of improvement then he should be fit.
“I’ve seen him (Lecygne) a few times; he’s a good player, a nineteen year old who comes highly recommended.
“He’s a really good central midfield player, good passer and good range of passing so he’ll add to a position that we’re looking at because in that “sitting” position we’ve only really got Keegs (Paul Keegan) that can do it in the squad.
“He’s more of a “sitter” in terms of trying to get control of the game, good technically, so we’re pleased to get him.”
Rovers – who come up against a Vale side one place and one point ahead of them in the Sky Bet League One table – are looking for their first home league win since a dramatic 3-2 win over Crewe Alexandra six weeks ago.
“We’ve spoke about our home form being better and we need to start,” Ferguson said.
“We can’t really have many more hiccups at home. You just concentrate on tomorrow night and Port Vale and we want to make sure that we get all three points if we can.
“It’s another hard game, as they all are in the league. I want us to concentrate on ourselves and get to a level that I know we can and if we do that then we’re a hard team to play against.”