Gary McSheffrey insists the Rovers squad are determined to perform and entertain as they see out the home campaign against Burton Albion.
Rovers bow out at the Eco-Power Stadium for the season on Saturday and McSheffrey is looking for his side to continue their recent run of good performances as they chase the victory.
McSheffrey on the status of the squad:
“There’s been a couple of illnesses throughout the week since the last game.
“We’re probably likely to be without Tommy Rowe who has been playing with a groin injury for a few weeks now. He’s going to a specialist to see if it’s a hernia or anything too serious because he feels it’s affecting his performance level now and he’s struggling to get up and down like he would normally.
“You never want to lose players like Tommy but at the same time we want him to get an injury sorted or give him the peace of mind that nothing too major has happened. We’ll give him that time.
“Ro-Shaun Williams has been carrying a bit of a shoulder injury. It’s been a strange one because he’s been feeling it around the armpit area.
“He can physically run but he’s just been struggling with the upper body movements. He’s done a bit in training and we’ve laid off him with the contact stuff. We’ll just give him the time he needs and see how he is tomorrow.
“Cameron John continues to train and be part of the training ground. If we feel he is ready and training well enough, he’ll be available for selection.”
On ending the home campaign on a positive note:
“We aim to perform at the Eco-Power Stadium in every game. In our last game there the supporters got a really good performance, if not the result we wanted. And there was a win before that.
“It’s not been doom and gloom the last couple of games there.
“We go into every game trying to win, trying to perform and trying to entertain.
“The fans have been really brilliant with us. They’ve travelled in their numbers to away games.
“We want to give them a performance in every game.”
On players fighting for their futures in remaining games:
“That’s how it should be, regardless of their intentions or plans going forward. Having a bit of pride in their own performance level.
“As a team, collectively, and a club, we want to finish the season well and as strong as possible.”
On the challenge of Burton Albion:
“I watched their game against Rotherham in midweek.
“They are a well-drilled team, Rotherham struggled to break them down and their keeper made some good saves when called upon.
“They’ve got a good physical presence throughout the team. They’re high energy and don’t really give you a minute.
“It’s going to be a tough game. A lot of teams in the league are similar. They’re hard-working and we’re going to have to be at our best to win the game.”
On the downturn in results over the last 14 months:
“It’s obviously disappointing but there are a lot of things the club should learn from it to try to make sure that never happens again.
“We have to react to make sure we’re in a position to bounce back.
“It’s happened to a few clubs in recent years - those that have been knocking around the play-offs and ended up relegated a couple of years later.
“We have to make sure we’re on the ball and we’re all on the front foot to make sure we respond well to it.”
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