Doncaster Rovers v Walsall: Soul-searching among players gives Rovers clean slate

Members of Rovers’ squad have had plenty to mull over ahead of tonight’s home game with Walsall after a disappointing home reverse to Port Vale seven days ago, which had followed a similarly low-key display at Fleetwood.

Both performances have threatened to undo some of the renaissance work impressively undertaken by Darren Ferguson in the past few months, with the Rovers chief revealing that he let his players have their say about the recent dip in a candid meeting late last week.

The emphasis was very much on finding out some positive solutions to help Rovers get on track at a timely juncture – ahead of the arrival of high-flying Walsall and a triple-header of derbies against Scunthorpe, Sheffield United and Barnsley which could define the club’s season.

Ferguson said: “We had a very good chat on the Thursday after the Port Vale game and talked about one or two things.

“It was a good time to reflect on what has happened throughout the season.

“There was a couple of things we needed to address.

“It was a very good meeting and lots of different people were talking, which was pleasing. Hopefully, we have now addressed that quickly.

“It was very important that we could all put across our things.

“But we have only lost one in five matches still and it is not a disaster. But it would be nice to get a victory against Walsall to set up a run of three derbies on the bounce.”

Ferguson will choice between Marko Marosi and new signing Chris Neal in goal, with Thorsten Stuckmann, who injured his shoulder last Tuesday, unlikely to be back in contention until the derby game with the Blades on February 13.

The Rovers chief will assess Andy Butler and Harry Middleton today, with an eye on possible involvement against the Saddlers after both returned to training yesterday.

Tonight sees Sean O’Driscoll return to the Keepmoat with his Walsall side and in the best O’Driscoll traditions, his side are pleasing on the eye and play pure passing football, according to Ferguson, who says they will be a tough nut to crack.

On the Saddlers, who have won on their past three visits to Doncaster, he added: “They are a very good footballing team who play between the lines and in a certain way. They keep the ball and are going well and are a confident team.”

Last six games: Doncaster WWLDDL; Walsall LWDWDL.

Referee: B Toner (Lancashire).

Last time: Doncaster 0 Walsall 2; February 7, 2015; League One.