Doncaster Rovers

Niall Mason is enjoying life back in the Doncaster Rovers first team after returning from a troublesome knee injury which had ruled the Aston Villa loanee out for two months.

Having started the season promisingly, the versatile youngster has returned at right back and is looking to hold down a place as one of several players returning from the sidelines.

“It was a really big shame for me because I’d played the three games before and results weren’t going our way and to get injured it was really frustrating but I kept positive, worked hard and got back which is good,” he said ahead of Saturday’s home game against Colchester United at Keepmoat Stadium.

“Luckily I came back at a good time. It’s been as easy as it could’ve been at the moment.

“I don’t think many other teams in the league would’ve survived like we have at Doncaster.”

While Mason’s parent club have changed manager already this season, he doesn’t see it affecting his form for Doncaster as they look to register ten straight home games without defeat and strengthen their grip on League Two’s automatic spots.

He said: “I’ve not had any contact with Villa about that so as far as it stands.

“I’d love it if I continued to play games but that’s down to the manager and the club and how they feel. I’ve learned that things can change quickly in football, such as my injury where I was playing one minute and then out the next so we’ll see how things go.

“This run we’ve just got to carry on playing how we have, start with a high tempo, pressing, playing in their half and if we keep that going – the confidence is good – then we’re a good team and we’re really looking forward to it.

“League Two is a lot better than people think or give it credit to. A lot of teams like to play and there’s some really good players in this league. I’ve been involved in one Premier League game and a few in pre season with Villa but it’s more for progression for me playing League Two football rather than U23 football.”