Burton Albion v Doncaster Rovers: Play-offs within reach for Rovers, says Harry Middleton

A poor start to the campaign left Rovers marooned in the relegation zone, but the appointment of Darren Ferguson has had a clear impact on the club’s fortunes.

The South Yorkshire side have won six of their last eight games, and face leaders Burton Albion today brimming with confidence.

Middleton said: “I think you’ve got to believe it. It gives you a drive.

“Everyone wants to get promoted and aim as high as possible.

“The aim is to get promoted so we’ve got to believe we can do that. I think the manager and the players have just managed to get the belief back that we can win games and go into every game thinking we can win them.

“When we were struggling we were thinking it’s going to be a tough game and we’re going to struggle.

“Now we go in confident we can win.”

Middleton has had an impressive campaign, playing five times in League One, already one greater than his tally for the entirety of last season. He was rewarded with a new contract on Thursday, and believes that will only aid his development.

He said: “Now I don’t have to worry.

“For the next three years I can just concentrate on my performances and just keep getting better with every game.

“It’s the gaffer showing faith in me and rewarding me for doing well. I’ve been involved a lot this year and I’d like to think I’m getting better with every game.”

“With every game that goes by I feel more confident.”