Luke McCullough back in fray with eyes on the title for Doncaster Rovers

DONCASTER ROVERS' remarkable unbeaten league run at the Keepmoat Stadium may have come to an end on Sunday, but one home player could at least reflect on a positive resolution to his own epic journey.
Doncaster Rovers' Luke McCullough.Doncaster Rovers' Luke McCullough.
Doncaster Rovers' Luke McCullough.

Northern Irishman Luke McCullough made his return after an eight-month absence, providing some solace following a 1-0 home loss to League Two title rivals Plymouth Argyle, Rovers’ first home league reverse in almost a year.

It said everything about the gritty utility man that he strode out as if he had not been away after entering in the second half.

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McCullough had been stretchered off in late July after damaging cruciate ligaments in a pre-season friendly with York City, just a day after signing a new three-year deal.

Doncaster Rovers' Luke McCullough.Doncaster Rovers' Luke McCullough.
Doncaster Rovers' Luke McCullough.

The prognosis was bad with McCullough expected to miss the entire 2016-17 season, but after throwing himself into intense rehabilitation, the 23-year-old has managed to force his way back ahead of schedule and is ready to play a key part in a definitive final month of the season.

The Ulsterman said: “It felt nice, although I would have much rather just sat on the bench and watch us get three points.

“But it was nice to be back on the pitch. It went quite quick, smooth and to plan and I tried to be positive and embrace it in the end.

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“I just want to help the lads get over the line and I am definitely happy to be back involved.

Doncaster Rovers' Luke McCullough.Doncaster Rovers' Luke McCullough.
Doncaster Rovers' Luke McCullough.

“Different people react differently to surgery and the rehab and I seemed to react quite well and tried to get myself back as soon as possible without pushing myself too much.

“My knee is fine and I just need to work on match fitness now. I am nowhere near match fit or sharp yet, but that will come with more minutes.”

McCullough was frustrated by a second defeat to Plymouth but says Rovers will be using the setback as motivation to beat them to the League Two title.

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Argyle’s win cut Rovers’ lead at the summit to three points and while Doncaster’s run-in looks tough, Plymouth also have some arduous fixtures remaining, most notably the Good Friday trip to Portsmouth.

“We definitely don’t want them getting to the title before us. It is clear to everyone that we definitely deserved to win.”