Doncaster Rovers v Rochdale: More than just pride at stake for Doncaster

Highly unlikely it may be that his Doncaster Rovers side, 10 points off the play-offs with six games left, will extend their seasonal participation, but it is not an impossibility yet, as Dickov is minded to remember.

With many players also mindful of their contractual status, with the likes of Dean Furman, Kyle Bennett and Reece Wabara all seeing their deals expire in June, finishing the season with a whimper is just not an option, according to Dickov, whose side entertain Keith Hill’s Rochdale today.

The Scot, who played a leading part in Manchester City rallying from 2-0 down with a minute left to draw 2-2 in their Second Division play-off final with Gillingham at Wembley in 1999 before triumphing on penalties, said: “People will say there’s nothing to play for. But I believe there’s a lot of twists and turns to come.

“We have made it really difficult for ourselves but we need to finish the season strong; for the players as well as a lot have their contracts up at the end of the season and I have big decisions to make.

“A lot of players are playing for contracts and careers, whether it’s here or anywhere else and we have to make sure we go right to the end.

“It’s not impossible to get in the play-offs still, but really difficult. But crazier things have happened in football. I remember being 2-0 down at Wembley after 90 minutes and we won the game. It shows you things can happen.

“We have got to play with a bit of pride. More often than not, if you do that, you get a performance and a result.”