Doncaster Rovers

James Coppinger said he didn’t want to be the centre of attention despite scoring on his 500th appearance for the club with a stunning 20 yard strike in a 5-1 rout of Morecambe.

Coppinger, who had also picked up the August Player of the Month award in League Two, led the charge as Andy Butler, John Marquis (2) and Matty Blair got in on the act to make it a memorable occasion in the north-west.

“I was so conscious of performing. I’ve been getting so many good messages from the fans and they’ve been great throughout my time here and I was so pleased I could put on a performance for them,” said the captain.

“At 35 to be involved in goals, score goals, I’m really pleased. Although it was my 500th game I didn’t want it to be all about me.

“The lads that he (Manager Darren Ferguson) has brought in – Matty Blair, John Marquis – are proven in this division and you can see as the season pans out that they’ll be a force to be reckoned with.”

So will Rovers by all accounts as they lead the goalscoring charts in League Two and the evergreen Coppinger reckons the players have withstood some significant tests already.

“We’ve been tested in so many different ways this season already and as a new group it’s great to see us come through those tests,” he continued. 

“At 2-1 at half time, to come out and respond like that was magnificent.

“If you’re playing in League Two then you’ve got to understand that you can’t play the same way as you would if you were in the Championship – you have to play in certain positions and understand your role.

“There could have been five or six of us – I know I’m biased – that could have been up for it (the Player of the Month award) due to our start to the season. I’m delighted that it’s me and we’ll move on to the next month.”

Come and watch the boys in action this Saturday, when we pay tribute to Copps against Newport County AFC. Adult tickets start from only £17. Call the Box Office on 01302 762576 or click the banner below: