Issam Ben Khemis says he is determined to prove himself in the Rovers squad as he enters his second season with the club.
The Tunisian made the move to South Yorkshire from France after a successful trial during pre-season last year, and he believes it is important that he keeps on learning in order to better himself as a player.
“I’m always wanting to improve, my family back in France can watch the games now and they always give me advice, I watch the game back when I get home and I look where I can better myself, it’s important to want to develop as a player,” he said.
“The gaffer spoke to me in pre-season and said there was a lot of competition for places in my position, I know I have to work hard to get a place in the team, it can be difficult but I’m working hard to stake a claim for a place in midfield.
“I’m ready for Saturday already, obviously I know it’s not my decision over whether I play or not, but I’ll respect the gaffer’s decision when he makes it, but I am ready to do well for this team and hopefully I can do that.”
Ben Khemis also took the time out to reflect on his first campaign in English football, and he is determined to kick on and prove his worth this year.
“It’s a big season for me, it’s my second year in England, I can remember my first interview when I had to get Mathieu Baudry to translate, so already I’ve come a long way, and I’m teaching myself the language which has helped me a lot,” he added.
“It’s been crucial for me that I learn English, I can remember the first game I played against Hull City last year and I couldn’t even understand the way we wanted to play when I was on the pitch, but now I’m more confident and understanding in my play.
“I’m taking a lot in from the people that are around me, you only have to look at how Alfie Beestin did when he came into the team, playing every game towards the end of last season, I just have to be patient, but hopefully my chance will come and I’ll be ready.”
Rovers are back at the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday September 8 against Luton Town in Sky Bet League One, get your tickets now from the Club Doncaster Box Office on 01302 762 576 or online at tickets.clubdoncaster.co.uk.