Saunders calls on wide boys

The Rovers manager plans to restore David Cotterill and Kyle Bennett to the side to face Crewe Alexandra after the duo missed the weekend FA Cup win over Bradford Park Avenue.

With Doncaster going into the meeting with the Railwaymen on the back of three straight league wins and six in seven outings in all competitions, Saunders wants to seize the initiative early against a team sitting 18th in League One.

He said: “Against Bradford, if I was being hyper-critical then I think we maybe lacked a bit of width.

“Kyle Bennett and David Cotterill not being available in a game like that meant we weren’t able to get them in one-on-one situations out wide as much as I’d have liked.

“Instead, we had four midfield players across the middle. The main thing is we won but it will be good to have both back against Crewe.”

Shelton Martis should be fit to return after sitting out the Cup win along with Paul Quinn.

Iain Hume will start after being allowed to play in the Cup by parent club Preston North End as talks continue over making the striker’s loan deal permanent.

Last six games: Doncaster Rovers WDWWWW, Crewe Alexandra WLDWLW.

Last time: Doncaster Rovers 2 Crewe Alexandra 0; September 16, 2007; League One.

Referee: S Duncan (Tyne & Wear).