Doncaster Rovers v Luton Town: Glenn Middleton says Rovers have shown they belong, but must do it for longer

Rovers ended their five-match losing run with a 1-1 draw against Bolton Wanderers, but put in a performance worthy of more against promotion challengers.

They began the week scoring two at Stockport County (who won 4-2), and in mid-December scored three at leaders Cardiff City, only to lose to a goal in the ninth added minute.

"When you play against teams like Stockport and Bolton, you see where they are in the league," said winger Middleton, who scored his first Doncaster goal against the Trotters. "Even going back to Cardiff, we're genuinely disappointed we haven't won these games.

"That shows the quality that we've got in the team. If that wasn't the case, then you would maybe be worried but it couldn't be further from that.

"Although the points haven't showed it recently, I think the performances are starting to show that we are in this league for a reason.

“When we're in every day and we're going through analysis, you can see watching the videos back that we are almost getting to the moments that we want to be at.

"For the majority of the (Bolton) game, I think we did show that."

"I think the belief was there in bits. That's probably the most frustrating thing for the manager as well. It's about putting it all together.

"When you have the individual quality that you have in the team, those moments will get you out of certain situations but it's about everyone coming together and putting in 90-minute performances, or however long the game goes on for.

"Thursday was our starting block and at the weekend we'll hope to carry that on. "

Manager Grant McCann feels bravery can make the difference.

"Football just turns and it's horrible at this moment in time because we're playing well – barring probably the Plymouth game here, where we were atrocious in the second half, probably the whole game actually," he said. “Other than that we've been okay in our performances.

"But we need to turn these performances into wins, because we're creating a lot of opportunities, and I think it's just the mindset.

"It's massively important in this group to keep drumming that mindset of 'What have you got to lose? What's the worst you can have when you lose a game of football?'

"I'd rather my team try and win a game, than sit on a draw."

Middleton admitted it was a relief to finally get off the mark on Thursday, but praised the dressing room for helping him through.

"The boys have been great with me in terms of making sure that I'm still at it every day in training," he said. "It's a real genuinely supportive group in the changing room. It's a privilege being a part of it.

"I know a lot of people say that, but it is.

"It's a really good group and it's something you do look forward to every day. And having that takes the burden off if you're not playing because you're still looking forward to training and you're still looking forward to being with everyone.

"And that goes a hell of a long way in a changing room.

"I love setting other people up, but at the same time, you can't replicate the feeling of scoring a goal or getting an assist.

"I like creating chances for other people. I just naturally play wider, so I'm further away from goal, but when I get the chances, I love to score whenever I can, for sure."

Doncaster have signed Derby County midfielder Darren Robinson and Barnsley defender/midfielder Bayley McCann. McCann, son of Grant, will be loaned out but fellow Northern Ireland Under-21 international Robinson is set to be in Sunday's squad.