Doncaster Rovers loan duo adding extra goal threat

The loanees only joined on Friday’s deadline day but came off the bench at Portsmouth the next day, when Sims created the only goal.

They made full debuts on Tuesday and both played important parts in a 4-1 win over Ipswich Town, who went into the game as League One’s unbeaten leaders.

Okenabirhie started both games – the first league matches he has kicked off this season with Tyreece John-Jules not expected to feature this month because of a muscle strain. On Tuesday, Okenabirhie scored his first league goal since February.

He acknowledged the part played by Southampton winger Sims and Manchester City No 10 Smith.

“They’re two very good players who’ve settled in really quickly and their impact on the games bodes well for us,” said Okenabirhie.

“With the way the gaffer likes to play, they’re two players who fit into that mould and have already got the idea of what we like to do. They’ve shown so far we’ll be able to make connections and the more we play together, the more we’ll be able to build relationships.

“All the new players have settled in really well. Everyone’s going to be needed and wants to play and contribute.”

Manager Darren Moore has been impressed by how quickly Sims and Smith have adapted.

“We’ve been dripping messages into them and I thought both of them showed their versatility in coming out of what they’re used to at their clubs and working well in ours,” said Moore. “Both give the team a different dimension.”

Okenabirhie has scored four times since joining in January – three in the league and a League Cup goal at Blackburn Rovers in August. Whilst he is always keen to stress the team ethic, he is hungry to find the net.

“Goals are definitely important for me,” he said. “For any striker, it should be and I see myself as a goal-scorer but the team functioning well and winning is part of that, too. Scoring can’t come at the detriment of the team performance or the results.

“I’ve had to be patient but everyone’s going to play a part so we’ve all got to be ready and I’m more than happy that I was able to contribute (on Tuesday) and help the team.”

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James Mitchinson