Manager Darren Ferguson was keen on keeping his side as fresh as possible as Rovers continue to battle through a busy Christmas and New Year period.
Rovers picked up three points against Bristol Rovers last time out, and now Ferguson’s side face Northampton Town on Boxing Day at the Keepmoat Stadium.
“I was keen on keeping the squad fresh, Baudry returned and May dropped to the bench, Coppinger was fit but I chose to rest him, Whiteman and Matty Blair will both be fresh for the game as well,” said Ferguson.
“You have to mix the squad up as best as you can over the festive period because I only have 18 fit senior players at the moment, so I have had no choice really.
“Northampton are a solid team and play a 4-4-2 formation with a big striker up top and another with a lot of pace, it looks like Crooks will be suspended for the game and were fresh going into it.
Rovers climbed up to 14th in the Sky Bet League One table after the win over the Gas and Ferguson is aiming to put some distance between themselves and the relegation zone.
“Anyone that shows a level of consistency over the Christmas period will pick up places and we are one of those team with nine or 10 others that want to do that and you could get yourself a bit of daylight between yourself and the relegation zone,” he said.
“It’s important that we win against Northampton to get that first back-to-back wins - we certainly feel that these upcoming games are winnable and the players have shown fantastic attitude.
“They have had a couple of positive results in their last few games, including their draw against Blackburn on Saturday, they have beaten us once already when Jimmy was first appointed.”
Tickets for Rovers’ festive games with Northampton Town and Rochdale are still available via the Club Doncaster Box Office, and they can be purchased by either visiting in-store at the Keepmoat Stadium, by calling on 01302 762576, or by buying online at tickets.clubdoncaster.co.uk.