January recruits can show their value to Darren Moore and Doncaster Rovers

The centre-back will miss tomorrow’s visit of Sunderland and Tuesday’s home game against Accrington Stanley after a head injury at Fleetwood Town.

“We wanted to get a few more bodies in because the short turnaround of games and the pressure these players put their bodies under with the speed of the games,” said Moore, who signed John Bostock, Omar Bogle, Elliot Simoes, Scott Robertson and Ellery Balcombe in January. “Tom will follow a concussion protocol now and the first stage is a five-day period of total rest to make sure there are no reactions. He feels a lot, lot better than he did on Tuesday night. I would imagine even though he would be eligible to play (next Tuesday), we would rule him out. His long-term health is far more important.”

When Ben Whitehead was sold to Preston North End in January, Doncaster used the versatility of their squad, moving defenders and forwards into the centre of midfield.

Centre-backs Joe Wright and Cameron John have played full-back recently with specialists Brad Halliday and Reece James featuring further forward.

“We’ve been working since the start of the season to make sure everybody gets the same messages,” said Moore.
“When Ben left we saw Reece James could deputise there, Brad Halliday, Matt Smith, Taylor Richards and Madger Gomes can. You may associate those players with different positions but each of them understands it. We’ve added John Bostock and Scott Robertson. Tom’s injury gives an opportunity for one or two to step in.”

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you’ll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click HERE to subscribe.