Doncaster Rovers have put the hard yards in to ensure the second half of their season is better than the first – and Grant McCann can point to history to prove it is more than just talk.

After sprinting out of the blocks, the League Two champions find themselves only above the third-tier relegation zone on goal difference with 22 points from their first 20 games, but they have history on their side.

Two years ago Rovers were 20th in League Two at the 23-game halfway mark of McCann's first season back at the club having picked up 24 points.

But they added another 46 in the last 23 matches to reach the play-offs.

They started last season much better, fourth with 37 points after 23 games, but still finished stronger, adding another 47 to take the title. In both seasons they picked up more points in the second half of the campaign than anyone else in the division.

So although they are stepping up a level this term, McCann is confident his players can come on strong again despite a run of one win in the last 13 league games.

"We set the groundwork in pre-season and everything we do comes from there," he explained.

"The players know they can go to levels way behind what 90 minutes of football takes out of their body.

CHAMPION CHASERS: Doncaster Rovers went from fourth at the mid-point of last season to lift the League Two title (Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

placeholder image — CHAMPION CHASERS: Doncaster Rovers went from fourth at the mid-point of last season to lift the League Two title (Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

"The last couple of years the fitness levels, the robustness, the injury room being empty have been really important (in the second half of the season).

"But it's also the mentality of it being a 46-game season, it doesn't finish after 20. The league table doesn't bother me until February/March because that's when you get judged."

And the confidence of being good chasers ought to help too.

"We know we can go on runs and feel really strong because we've done it in the last two years. I know we can do something similar," said McCann, whose side were edged out 4-3 by leaders Cardiff City on Saturday.

CONFIDENCE, NOT ARROGANCE: Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann (Image: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

"A lot of people can say it but not many can back it up.

"We've shown the last couple of years we've said it and we've backed it up.

"That's not me being arrogant, it's the fact I know our staff are well capable of producing at the back end of the season to catch people above us.

"It's a league where you've probably got to keep yourself in the mix. You can't be way adrift because it's more difficult than League Two but we’ll certainly give it the best push we can."