Grant McCann says everyone is fully focused on the current task in hand when they host Southend United on Tuesday night at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Tuesday’s match against the Shrimpers was rearranged due to Rovers’ ongoing Emirates FA Cup run, with Premier League side Crystal Palace set to bring a huge crowd on Sunday, but the upcoming league game provides an opportunity for Rovers to stretch their advantage over seventh placed Peterborough United to four points.
“This is one of those games that is so easy for people to forget about because they’re looking ahead to the cup game on Sunday but not us, we’re aware of how important this game is,” said McCann.
“If we beat Southend United that will put us in a really healthy position in the league, but to win the game, we have to perform well.
“We’re coming up against a Southend United team who are very good, they went to Bradford and beat them 4-0 and drew with Charlton when they were down to ten men so they’ve picked up some really good results away from home so we’re under no illusions as to how tough the match will be.”
Southend United provided Rovers with a bit of a scare on the opening game of the season, with the Shrimpers mounting a late comeback to peg Rovers back to 3-2 in the final minutes of the match.
“When we went to their place – and this is no exaggeration – we could have been six or seven goals down at half time so we’re well aware of the fire power they have,” McCann added.
“Things changed at half-time in that match, there were a few home truths from myself and Cliff Byrne, we were quite blunt with a few of the boys but since then, the belief in the group has grown game by game and we now have a belief that we can win every match.
“The most important thing for me is that the team are playing well, because we believe whatever team we put out, whoever is in the starting line-up we have a real belief that if we perform well, we can beat any team ahead of us, especially at the Keepmoat Stadium.”
Tickets for Tuesday's Sky Bet League One clash with Southend United 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.