Andy Butler seeking big improvements from Doncaster Rovers at Gillingham FC

Doncaster Rovers were beaten 3-0 by Oxford United in midweek. Pictures: Getty Images

Andy Butler is looking for big improvements on Doncaster Rovers' last two away performances when his side visit Gillingham this weekend.

The South Yorkshiremen followed up a 1-0 reverse at Crewe Alexandra with a much heavier loss to Oxford United on Tuesday night, conceding three times without reply in the space of 25 first-half minutes.

Rovers made life extremely difficult for themselves in midweek, continually turning the ball over inside their own half as they attempted to play out from the back.

And Butler admits that there has been plenty to work on in training this week as he aims to ensure that his players learn from their mistakes and do not become too "predictable in their approach."

Rovers chief Andy Butler has been boosted by the return of a number of players from injury.

Asked which areas he was looking to improve in, the Doncaster chief replied: "There were a few things.

"The tempo of our play, we came a bit predictable, that's something that I don't want my team to be, predictable in their approach.

"Mixing things up and not always inviting the pressure on to us. Even though we coped with the pressure really well, there's different ways to play through a press, around a press or over a press. So, that's something we'll look at.

"Off the ball I still think that we can be a little bit more compact as well. So there's something we can work on.

"Obviously, individual mistakes are frustrating, but sometimes it's just a lack of concentration, which we will address as well.

"Hopefully we can improve from the last two away performances."

Rovers' loss at Oxford means that they are now without a win, or even a goal, in their last three League One matches.

Their cause has not been helped by the absence of half-a-dozen members of key personnel, though Butler was able to deliver some more positive news on the injury front.

Josh Sims, Reece James, Omar Bogle, Scott Robertson and AJ Greaves are all available for selection again at Gillingham, meaning that John Bostock and long-term crock Jon Taylor will be the only players who miss out.

“There is better news all round on the injury front,” Butler added.

"The only absentees will be Jon Taylor and John Bostock. Everyone else has come through this week really good.

“The team has managed, but any squad losing those kinds of players would struggle.

“It is pleasing to have them back and hopefully it is a confidence-booster for the rest of the lads to see these faces back in the squad.

'The squad is looking stronger again and it's a good headache for me to have."