Manager wanting to ensure survival at the earliest opportunity.
Darren Ferguson was sweating on the fitness of influential midfielder Paul Keegan ahead of a trip to face Swindon Town on Tuesday evening.The Scot could though call upon returning defender Gary MacKenzie who has travelled to the County Ground after a loan spell with League Two Notts County.
“Gary MacKenzie is back with us after his time at Notts County; apart from that we’re waiting on Keegs (Keegan) who took a dead leg on Saturday so he didn’t train but we’ll wait and see how he is,” said Ferguson.
“It was important that he (MacKenzie) got games because in the time I’ve been here he’s only started two games because of injuries.
“We had a conversation about him going out and getting games so he’s done that now so you’d like to think he’s more up to speed in terms of match fitness.
“It was important to stop the rot in terms of losing games. Looking back we probably should have won it (the 1-1 draw with Millwall), especially with the two really good chances late on.”
Ferguson is all too aware of the fact that Rovers are in danger of falling in to a relegation scrap and that returning to winning ways as soon as possible is of increasing importance.
“We’ve haven’t won since early January so we have to make sure that we’re fully aware of that,” said Ferguson.
“I think I’ve always believed that the performances are not far behind the results because I believe that this group of players – if they get to the level they can on a consistent basis – will get back to winning games.
“It’s not just ourselves, I think there’s evidence of many teams in many leagues who it happens to – you’re on a really good run and then you go on a bad run.
“I think confidence and belief is a key thing and that’s something we’ve spoken to the players at length about.”