Darren Ferguson has hailed Matty Blair as a perfect role model, after he was named PFA League One Community Player of the Year.
The Rovers player has been recognised for his commitment to the club’s community work, and will head to London on Sunday to see if he has won the overall EFL award.
It caps off a roller-coaster year for Matty, who lost his brother to cancer before the start of the current season.
Ferguson said: “He is a great role model, not just how he has dealt with his brother’s death but the way he is off the pitch - always available to do the community work when asked.
“He fully deserves the award, and there wouldn’t be anyone more deserving of it.
“We’ve got a good group of players who understand the community work is an important part of their role. Credit to Matty and the lads who are always putting themselves out there building and strengthening links with the community.”
Matty will collect a trophy in recognition of his efforts at the EFL Awards on Sunday April 15, where he will find out if he has been named overall PFA Community Player of the Year for the EFL.
Bristol City's Joe Bryan has been named Championship Community Player of the Year, with Cambridge's Liam O'Neil taking the honours in League Two.