Boss Grant McCann happy for Doncaster Rovers to '˜win ugly'

Fernando Forestieri has been banned for three games.

Despite his side producing some free-flowing, attractive football in the opening salvos of his tenure, the Northern Irishman is not entirely happy with seventh-placed Rovers’ nine-point haul and believes it could and should be more.

A particular frustration has been three successive League One draws and McCann says he would gladly accept a below-par performance or two if it yields more points on the board.

McCann, whose side welcome Luton Town on Saturday, said: “I am the biggest winner that you will ever meet. As much as I love my team playing great, attractive football, if we have to win ugly, we win ugly. That is the way football goes sometimes.

“Two draws here is not ideal stuff and we want to be winning games here. Draws do nothing for you, really..

“Sometimes, you are better winning one and losing one than having two draws – not that we want to lose any games.

“But we have to turn those draws into wins now.”

Rovers will receive an update regarding the fitness of Tommy Rowe, who came off with a hamstring injury in midweek, today with McCann fearful that the news will not be good.

Sheffield Wednesday forward Fernando Forestieri and Mansfield Town midfielder Jacob Mellis have been banned for three games after their part in a brawl in the club’s heated pre-season friendly on July 28.

Both players admitted to misconduct charges following their involvement in a melee just after the final whistle of the game at Field Mill, with Forestieri fined £25,000 and ex-Barnsley player Mellis given a £1,500 fine.

Wednesday have been fined £20,000 and Mansfield were fined £3,000 in relation to the brawl.

The Owls “vehemently refuted” accusations that Stags captain Krystian Pearce had been racially abused.

Forestieri will miss the Owls’ Championship matches against Stoke City, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa after the international break.

He will next be available for selection in the Yorkshire derby against Leeds United at Hillsborough on September 28.