The manager gives his post-match thoughts.
Paul Dickov declared himself “reasonably pleased” as he saw his side earn a credible draw against Sheffield Wednesday in Rovers’ first pre-season friendly at the Keepmoat Stadium this summer.Rovers were, at one stage, two goals down to their South Yorkshire neighbours but responded through Marc De Val and Kyle Bennett.
“I’m reasonably pleased considering the young back four we had against an experienced Sheffield Wednesday side,” opened Dickov.
“I’m disappointed with the nature of the goals, of course, which were poor but overall it was really good with a lot of character to fight back from two-nil down.”
Atdhe Nuhiu and Michail Antonio had put the visitors in command, but Dickov’s troops fought back admirably, just thirteen days out from the season opener against Yeovil Town.
He furthered, “They’re a good bunch and maybe they’ve been knocked a little bit this week with everything that’s happened but they’ve given everything and there were a lot of good things to take from it.
“I thought young Scott Brown, 18 years old, found out just before kick off that he was in and I thought (Liam) Wakefield and Luke (McCullough) did well as did Cedric (Evina); they showed a real work ethic right throughout the team.
“You don’t worry about the result, but at the same time you don’t want to get beat so to come from two goals down with such a young team, and to show character, was good.”
Trialiasts Ben Williams, Cedric Evina and Nathan Tyson were spoken of highly by Dickov, who has yet to rule out re-signing fans favourite James Coppinger.
“I’ve always wanted to keep Copps. He’s a top, top pro with a big influence around the football club and that’s the sort of boost we need at the moment,” he said.