Darren Ferguson was pleased to extend the loan deal of Rodney Kongolo, after the Dutch midfielder agreed to stay at the Keepmoat Stadium until the end of the season.
Kongolo has made 28 appearances for Rovers since his switch from Premier League side Manchester City, and Ferguson is happy that the midfielder will be remaining in South Yorkshire.
“Manchester City have been delighted with his progress and how we’ve managed him because it’s his first loan spell, but he’s done very well, so that’s good news and I’m pleased we have him until the end of the season,” he said.
“A first loan can be difficult for a player, it’s a totally different game, he’s played in different formations and different systems but that suits him, and he’s really enjoyed it, he has improved and developed his ways of playing at this level.
“At the end of it, it should be a really good season for him and his development, and he’s played a good part in our season so far, so his progress so far has been great, and having his brother local now it will help him too.”
Ferguson was however disappointed with the news that Ben Whiteman would be returning to his parent club Sheffield United, following his late equaliser against Peterborough United on New Year’s Day, which turned out to be his final appearance in a Rovers shirt.
“I have a great relationship with both Chris Wilder and Sheffield United, he had no choice, they’ve got a shortage of bodies and they’re struggling to get people in, I understand he’s got to protect his own club,” he added.
“Chris didn’t want to make the call, but his focus is his club and he has to do it, we just have to hope now that we can get him back, there’s a lot of things that can play to our advantage and the boy wants to come back.
“For me, him wanting to come back is a huge positive, the only thing is if he goes back there and does well then he’d stay there and that’d be a shame because he was in the squad and doing well.”
Rovers look to continue thier five-match unbeaten run when they face Rochdale in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday 6 January, get your tickets for the game via the Club Doncaster Box Office by calling 01302 762576 or heading online to tickets.clubdoncaster.co.uk.