Doncaster Rovers: Alex Kiwomya is up and running

Alex Kiwomya on his full debut for Rovers against Fleetwood Town

But in the last three weeks he has made his Doncaster Rovers debut, been handed his first start and scored his first goal.

The progress made by the 21-year-old since returning to Cantley Park following his battle with Guillain-Barré syndrome – a rare autoimmune disorder which threatened his career.

But Saturday’s win over Fleetwood Town marked arguably his biggest step so far when he started his first game for Rovers and netted his first goal.

“If you would have said to me three months ago that I would be starting in February, then I would have said no chance,” he told the Free Press.

“But the gaffer knows what he’s doing and he’s shown that.

“It’s been a long time coming. It’s been a long road but I’m happy it’s finally come.

“It’s my first start and my first goal so it’s a sweet experience.

“It helps me kick on, knowing I’ve still got it in the locker and I’m ready to score again.”

Kiwomya impressed, starting up front alongside John Marquis in a no-nonsene performance from Rovers as they swept struggling Fleetwood aside in a 3-0 triumph.

It was a result that quickly washed away some of the worries which arose following the horrendous midweek showing against Walsall.

Kiwomya is confident Rovers will stay away from League One’s danger zone over the final 12 games of the season.

But he insists there will be no resting on laurels between now and the end of the campaign.

“We just take it a game at a time and we go from there,” he said.

“It’s always a threat we’ve just got to make sure we win games.

“We’re definitely good enough to stay away from it.

“It’s just about putting in performances and we’ve shown we’re capable of that.”

As far as Kiwomya himself is concerned, the forward is equally as determined to grow stronger as the season continues.

Though a little tender after his first 70-plus minute outing for the club, he is confident the ability to play a full 90 minutes is not far away.

He said: “I feel good now – a bit tired.

“I’m just going to rest and make sure I’m ready for next Saturday.

“I’m not far away from a full game.

“It’s about building from the 70 minutes, work in training to get me up there.”