Furman can deliver the title to Doncaster

Manager Brian Flynn believes he has pulled off a real coup in bringing in South African international Dean Furman to drag Doncaster Rovers over the finish line in the race for promotion to the Championship.

The 24-year-old, who played for his country in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, swapped a relegation battle at Oldham for a promotion push with Rovers when he arrived last month.

And after impressing on his first start for Rovers in the 1-0 Easter Monday win over Swindon Town, Flynn is already delighted with his new signing.

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“I think he has made an impact, both on and off the field, which didn’t surprise me,” said Flynn.

Furman had been a substitute in his first two games against Portsmouth and Coventry City.

“I’ve known him for a long time and knew his qualities would suit the way we play.

“He’s an all-round combative midfield player who likes to get a shot in as well – we will see goals from him, that’s for certain.

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“At Coventry, his pass through to James Coppinger was fantastic. It was a defence-splitter but unfortunately James was just a yard offside – he can produce that as well.”

Furman was on Chelsea’s books as a youngster before heading to Scotland with Rangers.

He spent a season on loan at Bradord in 2008-09 before moving to Boundary Park.

Victory today against seventh-placed Tranmere Rovers would secure Rovers a play-off spot, but with just five games remaining, automatic promotion with the League One title is their target.

“The next game is the important one,” said Flynn.

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“This week was always going to be a big week. We didn’t start brightly against Coventry, but we were excellent from start to finish against Swindon and we have to continue that against Tranmere.

“There is experience in the dressing room that can handle where we are at the moment.

“We are comfortably holding our position at the top; it’s better being up there and looking at what’s behind you in the race. I think we are good enough to finish top.”

Rovers are five points clear of third-placed Brentford, who have a game in hand, and six clear of Sheffield United, who have two extra games to squeeze in this month.