Stopper Sam has signed until the end of the season and wants to see Rovers ensure survival; starting tonight with a game against Bolton Wanderers in the Sky Bet Championship.
Young goalkeeper Johnstone is hoping to help Rovers return to winning ways following the disappointment of Saturday’s clash with Birmingham City.
Despite opening the scoring through centre back Paul Quinn, Rovers conceded three second half goals to the Blues, without reply.
“The lads are disappointed, but Bolton is another game, it’s as quick as that. The lads are ready and hopefully we can put it right and get a good result,” said the 21 year old.
The Birmingham game was scheduled to be the last of Johnstone’s loan spell from Manchester United, however after an injury to Ross Turnbull, all parties agreed to extend the deal until the end of the season.
“Now it’s extended I’m very happy because that’s seven more games. I’ve enjoyed playing and at my age that’s what you want to be doing,” he said.
“It was an easy decision to make, I wanted to extend, and there were no doubts. I was happy that Doncaster wanted to extend it too.”
The decision to stay with Rovers for longer is one Johnstone also states that provides an alternative from his parent club.
“I’ve learned a lot from everyone and it’s good to get away from Manchester United. You learn new things, work on different things with different coaches and management and different players and I think you pick up all the best things and eventually, when the experience comes, you’ve got a lot of different things from a lot of people who’ve helped you along the way,” he said.
One of those who aid Johnstone’s development is former England goalkeeper Chris Woods, now goalkeeping coach at Old Trafford.
“I speak with him regularly and every now and then I train back there,” said Johnstone who has also had England recognition at youth levels.
While Rovers are within touching distance of ensuring their Championship safety for another season, Johnstone is the consummate professional and brushes ideas of celebrating survival aside for the time being.
“You’ve got to keep concentrating. After a disappointing result you look to put that right as soon as possible,” he said.
“I’ll be honest with you I don’t look at the table but I hear the lads talking about it and we’re nearly there but there’s some big games coming up and we just have to keep going.”