Blackpool v Doncaster Rovers: Bennett survives Saunders axe as Rovers told to scrap

Bennett will survive the Saunders shake-up after impressing since his summer move from Bury.

But time is running out for other players at the club after Saunders revealed he needs to inject more steel into his side ahead of tonight’s trip to Blackpool.

“We can’t afford to get relegated and I have to look at who is going to have a scrap for me,” he said. “We are in a relegation battle and we need to fight our way out. If the pretty football is not working, we have to be able to roll our sleeves up and scrap for points – but I don’t know whether I have the personnel to do that.”

Bennett, 20, was released by Premier League club Wolves last year but is determined to revive his fortunes with Rovers.

Saunders is convinced that he has the talent to attract interest from some of the biggest clubs in the country so a new deal will be good news for both the player and Rovers.

“I am hoping I am not wrong but he looks to me like he can be a top, top player,” said Saunders. “He is really talented and reminds me of Manchester United players who at the start of their careers were not producing end product but eventually got it.

“When Nani and Ronaldo started off, they were not crossing it where they should and he reminds me a bit of that. If he can be anywhere near as good as them he will be a great asset to the club.

“I am trying to give him a new contract and we have nearly agreed,” Saunders added. “He has bits to learn but we need to sign him up and keep him at the club before they start queuing up for him. He has potential to play for a top-six club but he has got to produce and that is what I will be looking to teach him.”

While Bennett has made a positive impact on the new Rovers manager, other players have done the opposite.

Saunders’s eyes were opened by the nature of his side’s performance against Yorkshire rivals Leeds United on Friday night. Although it was a first defeat in four games for Rovers, there was a worrying lack of fight in midfield and the defence conceded three sloppy goals.

Former French international defender Pascal Chimbonda is set to come in for his first start against Blackpool while striker James Hayter and midfielder Mark Wilson are also pushing for recalls.

Veteran goalkeeper Neil Sullivan has already been axed to make way for loan signing Chris Kirkland and players including Richard Naylor and Simon Gillett failed to deliver the goods against Leeds.

“I learned more on Friday night than I did in my three other games,” admitted Saunders. “Sometimes, results paper over the cracks.”

“We have lots and lots of nice pretty footballers but we haven’t got many Roy Keane types who can play three different ways. He is fitter than you, more aggressive, and he can play football better than you. Whatever way the games goes, you can come out on top.”

Saunders, who played for a variety of top clubs including Aston Villa and Liverpool, said: “Everybody in the team should be a grafter. At all the teams I played for, if you didn’t work, you were out. It’s not rocket science. Manchester United and Barcelona work the hardest to get the ball back when they have lost it so they get more possession. I haven’t played in a team yet – well, a team that did any good – where we had two or three players that weren’t working.”

Opponents Blackpool suffered a 4-0 defeat at promotion-chasing West Ham United last weekend but still have twice as many points as Rovers and a wage bill which is designed to secure an immediate return to the top flight.

The Seasiders have recently signed Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey on loan while former Newcastle United striker Lomana LuaLua, 30, makes his home debut tonight after signing until the end of the season.

“I was really disappointed for our supporters against Leeds because there was a lot of optimism around the place and we sent them home unhappy,” said Saunders. “But we will come out fighting against Blackpool.

“We have some good players but we also have to have a collective work ethic from everybody, so that we can get the ball back when we lose it better.”

Chimbonda, 32, was kept on the bench against Leeds due to concerns about his match fitness.

But the former Tottenham Hotspur and Blackburn Rovers star, who has signed a short-term deal until January, insists that he is now ready to add his considerable experience to the cause.

“The manager will have to decide whether I am fit but I feel good and ready to play,” he said.

“I have gone six months without playing and some clubs thought I must be injured or didn’t want to take a risk on me. But Doncaster have given me the opportunity to play again and I want to do well while I am here.

“If I play well for Doncaster and get the chance to go back to a Premier League club I will be happy,” he added.

Last six games: Blackpool WDLDWL, Rovers LLWDWL.

Last time: Blackpool 2 Rovers 0; April 5, 2010; Championship.

Referee: G Eltringham (Tyne and Wear).