Grant hoping Rovers’ quality will hold sway

Grant joined Rovers from Everton on a one-month loan deal on October 29, an agreement that on Wednesday was extended until January 2.

The 20-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Motherwell, has played all six of the games for which he has been available since moving to the Keepmoat.

He is likely to continue that run at the Abbey Stadium tomorrow against the side currently 15th in League Two.

Grant stressed that the players are ready for a difficult game against former Leeds United player Shaun Derry’s side.

“We know it’s going to be a tough test on Sunday,” he said.

“They’re going to be right up for it and they have some good players. We have to match that, and hopefully our quality comes through. We have to just work hard.

“I think every game you have to respect the opposition and maybe think about what their strengths are, but then we know we are a good team and know we can apply our threats to any team.”

It has become a general assumption that younger players and fans do not treat the FA Cup with the amount of respect afforded to it in the past.

It would not have been a surprise to find a player on loan from the top tier felt that way. But Grant said, “I love it. I know there’s the cliche of it being magic, and a great cup, but it is.

“There’s a buzz around the training ground this week and everyone is made up for it. The last game was my first experience in it, and I just cannot wait for Sunday. I was born in 1995, and that year a certain team, Everton, won it. You should always take the cup seriously shouldn’t you?”

Last six games: Cambridge United LWLLWW, Doncaster Rovers WWWLWD.

Referee: M Brown (East Yorkshire).

Last time: Cambridge 3 Doncaster Rovers 2; November 22, 2005; LDV Vans Trophy.