Doncaster Rovers midfielder James Coppinger returned to action on Saturday, as the Rovers took on Barnsley at Oakwell in an eagerly-anticipated South Yorkshire derby.

Coppinger had been out of action for a week, missing the midweek fixture against former employers Newcastle United with a virus, however he sealed his return to action with a fine strike from the edge of the Barnsley penalty area, giving Rovers a 1-0 victory against their local rivals.

Speaking to RoversPlayer after the game, Coppinger admitted it was good to be back in action, and emphasised his awareness of just how important the victory was for the Doncaster Rovers fans.

"It was a good three points and it means a lot to the fans, this derby. I'm delighted to have come here, put on a display and left with the points. I thought that we started really well and created a few chances."

"We got the goal, went 1-0 up and I thought that the second half was a bit scrappy. We've taken one goal leads in the past and struggled to get over the finishing line; but today I thought that the back four worked tremendously hard with the midfield and we did really well."