Darren Ferguson adopting positive approach over Doncaster statistics

Rovers head into tonight’s game at Cambridge United on the back of a five-match winless streak, comfortably their longest run without a league victory so far in 2016-17.

While keen for that particular sequence to be halted this evening to finish February in positive fashion, the Rovers boss is steadfastly looking at the bigger picture, mindful that his side remain at the summit of League Two despite their recent barren return.

Ferguson, who reinforced that message in a meeting with the players yesterday, said: “There is two different ways to look at it and I have said to the players there is only one way for us to look at it.

“You can look at it and say you have not won in five (games) or you can look at it and say you have only lost two in 20 and we are still top of the league.

“We have only lost one in five, but obviously expected to pick up more points.

“But with 13 games to go, we are top of the league and I think we should be really positive about that and I am confident – and I know the players are – that we can start winning games again.

“We are in a good place. Yes, we know we have not picked up as many points of late.

“But I think human nature suggests that there is going to be a bit where you just plateau off.”

Ferguson says that utility man Luke McCullough is “way ahead of schedule” in his rehabilitation from a serious cruciate ligament injury and is expecting him to be fit before the end of the season.

The Northern Ireland international has been sidelined since suffering ligament damage to his knee in a pre-summer friendly at York last summer.

Ferguson said: “McCullough is way ahead of schedule and with the way he’s going, I would expect him to be fit before the end of the season.

Last six games: Cambridge LLLDWW Doncaster WDDLDD.

Referee: R Joyce (Cleveland).

Last time: Cambridge 1 Doncaster 3; December 6, 2015; FA Cup.

England Women will play their last home matches before Euro 2017 with a pair of April friendlies against Italy and Austria.

The Italy match takes place at Port Vale on April 7, with the Austrians heading to MK Dons’ Stadium MK three days later.