Doncaster wary of complacency in Championship survival fight

With eight games to play, Rovers are nine points clear of the relegation zone in 19th spot but have won only two of their last 18 games.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Bristol City, Hayter admitted that his club still needed more points to be safe but he was also confident of achieving that goal.

“We know we’re in a bit of a fight,” he said. “Despite having a cushion, that can quickly turn around so we will be going into games knowing that we need to pick up points as quickly as possible.”

Rovers’ form dipped at a time when injuries were wreaking havoc with manager Sean O’Driscoll’s squad but several key players, including Hayter, have started coming back into contention.

“We are quite confident in ourselves and we’ll, hopefully, have a few more fit and ready for the run-in,” said Hayter. “The position in the league has perhaps focused people more. We’ve had a few more back on the training ground and the last two days have been at a high tempo and good standard.”

Midfielders Martin Woods and Paul Keegan, striker Billy Sharp, and defender James Chambers are all set to miss the rest of the season but just James O’Connor, Steve Brooker and Adam Lockwood are the other players sidelined. At one stage, Rovers had 14 players unavailable.

Barnsley will be boosted by the return of on-loan defender Paul McShane for tomorrow’s trip to Crystal Palace.

The Republic of Ireland international missed the club’s last game at Reading and returned to parent club Hull City for treatment on a hamstring injury.

Rotherham United have agreed a four-year deal with PUMA to become the club’s new kit supplier from the start of next season.

“We are thrilled to announce the association with one of the world leaders in sports merchandise,” said commercial director Steve Coakley. “They will bring an expertise and professionalism which will lead to a long and productive partnership. This will be invaluable as we move into the new stadium and develop our operation.”