If, as expected, Owen Bailey equals a 75-year Doncaster Rovers record at Mansfield Town on Saturday it will only remind everyone at the club what they already know – that the 27-year-old midfielder is one of the most important players in League One.

When Rovers tied Bailey down to a new three-year contract this summer, they did not just retain the division's top-scoring central midfielder last season (with 13). They also kept a leader, top-class holding midfielder, central defender and right-back.

And one of the most reliable players in their history.

In three seasons since he joined from Gateshead, Bailey has started every league game – all 138 of them.

Bert Tindill made 139 consecutive league appearances from September 1948 to December 1951, and no one has ever bettered it for Doncaster.

"I'm not really a big one for milestones and stuff but it would be a massive achievement for me," says Bailey, pictured. "It's something I like to do, to be out there every week playing regularly putting my body on the line. Touch wood, I've been injury-free and healthy and available for the games.

"That's probably the biggest achievement I could have done, to be honest, especially after missing so long when I was younger (in Newcastle United's academy). It means everything to me."

But Bailey is not motivated simply by being on the pitch. He has a hunger to improve he says is typical of the club.

EVER-PRESENT: Doncaster Rovers captain Owen Bailey (Image: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

placeholder image — EVER-PRESENT: Doncaster Rovers captain Owen Bailey (Image: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

"Since I've come in, every season seems to have got better," he argues. "Whether that's off the pitch or on it, it seems like we're constantly building and working to improve.

"I think the lads are striving on the pitch but also off it the infrastructure's getting better.

"It's a great place for me to be right now. The gaffer demands a lot and I think that's what brings out the best in me.

"Everyone is pulling in the same direction and has the same values; they just want to improve and get better."

Robbie Gotts has recovered from a thigh injury but James Husband, Frankie Okoroknwo, (both hamstring), Tom Nixon and Matty Pearson (both calf) are missing.