Doncaster Rovers

Shane Blaney is pushing for a place in the first team as he continues to produce standout performances for Rovers U23s.

The young Irishman has been at the club for two years, and has admitted that after battling home sickness early on, South Yorkshire now feels like home.

“I think everything is going well, from the start of the season is probably the best run I’ve had when it comes my fitness levels,” he said.

“Rob Lee and James Walsh have worked really hard with me, they’ve given me a lot of strength work to do in the gym which is paying off. It gets me right to be able to train every day and I feel like in every game I’ve played for the Development team this season I have been fairly consistent. 

“This is my second full season at the club and I feel settled now, I’m loving it and this current stage is the most at home I’ve felt. I feel like if I keep going in the direction I’m going then I will be fine, I’m confident in my ability it’s just a case of making sure my body is strong enough to cope with the demands."

His work over the last two seasons has clearly paid off as the centre back was handed the captain’s armband in the summer by U23s manager Gary McSheffrey.

“I’ve always had the leadership qualities and that comes from wearing the captain’s armband at my previous club,” he Blaney added. 

“Even if I didn’t have it I would still be the same player and still bark orders to my teammates, it’s nice to have it though and to be leading the boys out. 

“It’s a lot better with the U23s this season, everything is going very well and everything seems to be really well structured. The coaching staff have been a breath of fresh air and it’s helped having Gaz with us to get the best out of us.”

Read the full interview with Shane in Wednesday's matchday programme priced at just £1.50. You can pick up your copy at designated programme huts around the ground.  To learn more about the U23s restructure, make sure you pick up the next edition of DNA Quarterly - coming soon.