Rovers boss Grant McCann says James Coppinger continues to set the standards for his team-mates to follow.
Saturday’s match against Oxford United looks set to mark the 600th Rovers appearance for James Coppinger and McCann had plenty of praise for the 37-year-old.
He said: “It’s unheard of these days, 600 games for one football club. It’s unbelievable, he’s a legend and rightly so.
“His attitude and his application every day is a credit to him and his family. He’s the best trainer every day, he applies himself so professionally and he’s putting the performances in on a Saturday. He’s the leading assist maker in the league, he probably should have more with some of the chances we’ve missed, but he’s contributing so much not just on the pitch but off the pitch to the younger lads, to everyone who aspires to be playing when they’re 38 years of age almost.
“I’ve no idea how long he’s going to go, I don’t think Copps knows but I’m sure he’ll probably think he can play until he’s 50.”
Manager McCann believes his side will face a difficult test when they welcome Oxford United to the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday.
Rovers have not lost a Sky Bet League One match since November 3 while, despite sitting 18th in the table, the U’s have only lost once in their previous 15 outings.
McCann added: “Oxford United are a good team. Their front five are up there with the best in this league in my opinion. They’re very similar to us in the way they play, the way they break, and how quickly they can press if you’re not good enough with the ball.
“I know Karl Robinson, he’s a good manager and it’ll be a good game. I think it’ll be a game of who takes their chances on the day. Looking at them over these last thirteen, fourteen, fifteen games, their form doesn’t surprise me. He knows this league inside out, he’s had successful teams in this league and his teams always play in the right way.
“As much as I say this about Oxford, I’m really only worried about us and us performing. This week has been all about us, we’ve touched a little bit on Oxford but it’s about us and making sure we continue to do what we’re doing.”