Full back ready and firing on all cylinders for arrival of local rivals.
Enda Stevens has said that his return to the Keepmoat Stadium was a “no brainer”.The Aston Villa full back – who made 14 appearances for Paul Dickov’s side last season – hailed the Rovers manager’s input, also.
“He said come in and do what you did last year and you’ll be fine. It was 100% easy, I really enjoyed myself here last year, I like the way the gaffer does training and it was a no-brainer,” he said.
“I spoke to the gaffer and he said it’s been up and down with some really good results and then some not so good, but it was good to get a great result at Bradford.
“[The postponement at Weston super Mare] was disappointing because I’d got myself up for it and I was excited to put the Rovers shirt back on but it was delayed.”
Stevens, 24, is in the final year of his contract at his parent club and said that he sees little chance of him extending his stay in the Midlands.
“I’m not too sure about me and Villa but coming on loan will improve me and my football playing games.
“I’m in my last year. It was good, I’ve enjoyed myself, it’s a great club, a massive club and they gave me my chance and my debut but I think it’s time for me to move on.
“It’s football at the end of the day and it happens. You’ve got to get on with it and work hard.”
With Cedric Evina still ruled out due to a knee injury sustained in the aforementioned win over Bradford at Valley Parade, Stevens is eager to throw himself in to the heat of an impending South Yorkshire derby against rivals Sheffield United.
“It’s a derby so it’s a massive crowd expected and I’m looking forward to it. I played Leeds last season and it was a great atmosphere so I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a great boost, the fans are great down here and I’m sure Sheffield United will pack the away stand so I’m sure it’ll be a good atmosphere,” said the Dubliner.
“I know they’re a good team, a big club and they’ll be looking to win the game and we’ve got to stop them.
“You’ve got to put everything in to it, we put the work in on the training ground which gives us the platform to go out and perform.”