Doncaster Rovers v Crewe Alexandra - Plenty of options remain available for Darren Moore

Darren Moore will look to squeeze the maximum out of his Doncaster Rovers squad to build on a morale-boosting victory over Ipswich Town without asking too much of his players in the coming games.
Doncaster Rovers manager Darren Moore: Considering options.Doncaster Rovers manager Darren Moore: Considering options.
Doncaster Rovers manager Darren Moore: Considering options.

After victories over Portsmouth and previously-unbeaten Ipswich, Rovers will be pleased today’s League One visit of Crewe Alexandra comes around so quickly, but have to be careful not to overload their players.

Josh Sims and Matt Smith made encouraging full debuts in Tuesday’s 4-1 win over the Tractor Boys, but the loanees are not yet used to the twice-weekly demands of lower-league football. With Taylor Richards, Jason Lokilo and James Coppinger on the bench in midweek, there are alternatives.

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Reece James, who scored the only goal at Fratton Park, could also return at left-back or on the wing.

The manager even hinted they could come away from their usual 4-2-3-1 when the situation demands this season.

“We’ve got different combinations and players that can play different shapes and formations,” he said. “We’ll analyse teams and look at the best shape and players.

“It was a ferocious game (against Ipswich) with real tempo and tenacity.

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“The boys had to be right on top of their game and I thought off the ball they were certainly on their game. On the ball they were good but I thought they could have been better in periods of the game in making the right decision. That’s something for us to look at.”

Asked if he thinks his players’ fitness will stand up to the hectic schedule, Moore replied: “The proof will be in the pudding.

“We’ll see where the group is but it was good to see the response from Portsmouth.”

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