Manager Grant McCann says Tuesday night’s Checkatrade Trophy game against Grimsby Town will be a good opportunity for some of his fringe players to stake a claim for a run in his side.
McCann named an unchanged side in back-to-back games over the past week, and with Saturday’s trip to Rochdale set to provide an opportunity to avenge two defeats, the manager is hopeful those who have not been involved as much will step up to the mark.
“We had a disappointing result in the first group game, now it’s a good opportunity for some of the boys tomorrow to come in and stamp their mark on where they are at the minute and try and force their way into the team,” he said.
“It gives me an opportunity to watch some of the lads in a competitive game properly too because predominantly the team has remained unchanged in the league, but there’ll be a bit of rotation and give people an opportunity to impress.
“I know what it’s like as a player, you’re always wanting to play and to show what you’ve got, and it’ll be a great opportunity for me to see what these other players have got, and hopefully we can get the result we’re looking for.”
Rovers head into Tuesday’s game with the Mariners looking for their first win in the Checkatrade Trophy, and McCann is hopeful that his side can find their first three points in Group G which could set them on their way to a run in the competition.
“We have to create that competition within the side, that culture, and I think we do have it at this football club, we wouldn’t be sitting where we are in the league without it, we need to keep that going now, and that starts on Tuesday,” he added.
“Obviously, the league is our priority, but we want to go as far as we possibly can in this competition, we feel as though we have a strong squad and that any team I put out is capable of getting a result.
“The two cup games that we’ve played at home we have been far from our best, we were good in the Scunthorpe game in the Carabao Cup, but this is a good opportunity for the boys to put things right and give it a real go.”
Tickets for Rovers’ Checkatrade Trophy game against Grimsby Town are still available via the Club Doncaster Box Office – purchase yours now by either visiting in-store at the Keepmoat Stadium, by calling on 01302 762576, or online at tickets.clubdoncaster.co.uk.