Wellens wanting more miles in the legs ahead of lengthy League 1 campaign.
Richie Wellens has said that he is relishing the rest of the pre-season campaign in order to get himself “even fitter” for the new season.The veteran midfielder – who was admirably aided by youngster Harry Middleton in the centre of midfield – put in a commanding performance against Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Speaking exclusively afterwards to doncasterroversfc.co.uk, the 35 year old said: “For some of the lads they’re ready to go as they’ve had two or three games but for some of us, I’m looking forward to the next couple of games and want to get even fitter.
“People are on different (fitness) levels and we need to time it right for the new season and I probably need another week and I’ll be ready.
“I felt fresh because we’ve had a break and obviously when you play against higher opposition then it’s easier because they want to play and they’ve got respect. They’re not like League 1 teams who want to run about and tackle and see if they can run 13km in a game.”
Wellens spoke glowingly of his midfield partner but says that everyone will have to learn when it comes to the weekly grind of League 1 football.
“He [Middleton] has done really well this pre season. With [Paul] Keegan and [Richard] Chaplow out he’s going to have an opportunity to play in the League and it’s an opportunity that he’s looking forward to taking,” said Wellens.
“When you play against League 1 teams, their aim at the most is to stop you whereas they want to get on the ball themselves.
“It’s difficult because we’ve played two teams who are better than us and have more of the ball so I'd imagine the tactics will be a little different when we’re playing in the league so it’s really early to say."