Gary McSheffrey insists Rovers will continue to fight for survival until the end after suffering a setback against Charlton Athletic.
Jayden Stockley’s second half strike was enough for Charlton to take the points at the Eco-Power Stadium and leave Rovers four points from safety with six games to play in Sky Bet League One.
McSheffrey on how the game played out:
“We were lucky to be in the game at half time. They could have been four up at the end of the first half.
“In the second half we made a game of it, created a couple of chances and created a bit of momentum but we gave a cheap goal away from an unforced error.
“The amount we were making, it was going to happen because we got off lightly in the first half with three or four errors from ourselves and they should have punished us.
“Jonny [Mitchell] made a couple of good saves to keep us in it and we just looked for a bit more courage and composure on the ball in key areas of the pitch.
“We didn’t get that. We got panicky moments and people trying to play one-touch football. That wasn’t because they were seeing passes but because they were a bit nervous and trying to get rid of the ball too soon.”
On the chances of survival:
“Ultimately it’s not mathematically done so we have to keep positive and try to believe we can win the next game.
“I can’t sit here and be negative. We won’t accept it until the proof is in the pudding.
“We will keep fighting until it does.”
On the quality of football played:
“We want to deliver good football for these fans because they’re good fans and they’re used to it.
“At the minute we need players who can take the ball better, be a bit braver and believe in themselves more.
“We’re trying to really build a culture.
“You pick teams after watching them train well in the week, watch them look comfortable on the ball during the week.
“When they get out on the pitch it’s down to them to deliver the goods and look like composed, confident football players.
“Too many looked nervous and wanting to get rid of the ball rather than staying on it, looking for passes and being fluent.”
On bouncing back in the next game:
“We come back in on Monday, pick the bones out of it and then we train all week and prep for a really difficult one at Wycombe next week.
“It’s all we can do. We crack on with it, train hard and we try to have a reaction.”
On player availability:
“Reo [Griffiths] was touch and go. He trained on Friday for a little bit and he’s had a sore hamstring all week.
“He thought it was cramp last week but later in the week thought it was something worse. He managed to do some running and joined in on Friday.
“Matt Smith was hobbling away with a dead leg so you have to make the changes the game gives you.”