Goulon laughs off comparisons with Vieira but aspires to his standards

The 23-year-old Frenchman swapped one relegation battle for another when he jumped ship from Premier League Blackburn Rovers last month to become one of Dean Saunders’s increasing number of loan imports at the Keepmoat Stadium.

After the defensive midfielder made his debut in the 0-0 draw with Watford, Rovers fans have seen first-hand why he has been compared with countryman Vieira with his build and style of play.

But Goulon, who is on loan until January 22, laughs off any comparisons.

“I’m nowhere near the standard of Patrick Vieira,” he said. “He is a great player, a model for me and the kind of player I’d like to be. But I am nowhere near as good as him.”

He believes once Rovers’ new recruits bond, they can pull themselves off the foot of the Championship table, although they face a tough task today when they welcome leaders Southampton to South Yorkshire.

“It’s difficult because nobody knows you, nobody knows where you play and you have to get used to players and learn each other’s names,” said the former Middlesbrough player. “But it’s fun as well because it’s a new challenge.

“Every day you come in there’s something new to do and that’s enjoyable.

“I think we might well turn things around because most of the games we’ve lost we’ve had good control of the game. It’s all about keeping the cleansheets and then the wins will come.

“Once we win the games the winning mentality will be opened and we’ll win a lot more games, for sure.”

Rovers have snapped up former Newcastle defender Lamine Diatta on a short-term contract.

Diatta, who spent two months at Newcastle in 2008, arrives on a free transfer after impressing on trial at the Keepmoat Stadium.