Doncaster Rovers defender Gareth Roberts has branded Saturday's fixture against Crystal Palace at the Keepmoat Stadium as 'massive' following the side's 1-0 defeat at the hands of Leicester City on Tuesday evening.

The full back, who skippered the side on Tuesday evening in the absence of Brian Stock, also held his hand up to the mistake that led to Martyn Waghorn scoring the only goal of the game but believes that the whole side can play much better.

"We had our chances, but we lost the game in the first ten minutes," Roberts told RoversPlayer.

"Leicester City came out of the blocks a lot better than us. They started really well and we conceded a poor goal. Their goalie has kicked it, I've got under it and I've clashed legs. It's poor defending from me for their goal and I totally hold my hand up for that."

"They defended really well and tried to hit us on the counter attack - but I think we can play much better than that. I didn't think we played as well as we can do at all. We could do a lot better, especially in the final third."

Roberts has delayed exploratory surgery on a knee injury, however he admits that the knee feels better with every day and stated that it felt fine following Tuesday's defeat.

"My knee doesn't feel too bad. I spoke to the physio on the Wednesday and told him that it felt like it was getting better and I don't want to open it up. He told me it was my decision and I felt that it was getting much better. I haven't got any problems now and I'll see how I am in the morning."

Roberts now looks forward the weekend's game against the cash-strapped Eagles and emphasises the game's importance.

"We are back in training on Thursday and we'll get going again. We have a massive game now against Crystal Palace on Saturday. They are playing well under their manager and it'll be massive for us."