Doncaster Rovers v Plymouth Argyle: Ian Lawlor set for 50 not out

Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Ian Lawlor is hoping to celebrate a milestone day with another clean sheet.
Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Ian Lawlor: Hard work the key.  Picture: Chris EtchellsDoncaster Rovers goalkeeper Ian Lawlor: Hard work the key.  Picture: Chris Etchells
Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Ian Lawlor: Hard work the key. Picture: Chris Etchells

The former Manchester City youngster has been instrumental in Rovers’ five-match unbeaten league run which has pushed them up to the League One table.

If selected today, for the visit of Plymouth Argyle to the Keepmoat Stadium, the 23-year-old has double reason to celebrate.

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For it will be his 50th start in Rovers colours, but also a year to the day since arriving at Doncaster and signing a two-and-a-half year deal.

“The fact I’ve potentially made 50 starts for this club in a year has shocked me as I could never have expected to achieve that in a short space of time,” said former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Lawlor. “Consistency is always key for goalkeepers but as long as the team are doing well I don’t really think about plaudits too much. Personally, it’s a nice achievement but it’s just a start and I want to keep pushing on.

“My first year here has been the best of my career so far. With the promotion last season and playing in a team at the top of the league was really challenging but something I relished.”

Doncaster may have slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Rochdale, in the FA Cup last weekend, but their recent league form has been impressive.

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Draws against Oldham Athletic and Peterborough, combined with wins against Bristol Rovers, Northampton and Rochdale – when Lawlor kept three successive clean sheets – have seen Rovers climb to 11th in League One.

“The main reason for the turn in league form is the amount of hard work we’ve been putting in,” added Lawlor.