Doncaster Rovers: Grant McCann urges squad to collect more individual awards after John Marquis named League One player of the month

Striker John Marquis was named League One player of the month for September, with McCann himself winning the manager award.

Much more keen to focus on the achievements of his squad, the Rovers boss challenged his players to add to the honours throughout the season.

'They've got to be striving for individual awards,' he said. 'Whether that be player of the month, leading goalscorer, the back four and goalkeeper keeping the most clean sheets.

'When I first went to one of the EFL awards evenings, I saw two players from this club in the team of the year.

'James Coppinger and John Marquis were in the League Two team.

'They've got to be striving to do that in this league, players like that.

'I think it's only good for them and the football club.

'It'd be nice to have a few of them in there but it is a long season.

'I think the team of the year is usually made up of players from the top six clubs in any division, or maybe the top three.

'So we've got to be focusing on doing that here.'

Marquis scored six goals in five games during September and beat competition from Jamal Lowe (Portsmouth), Kieffer Moore (Barnsley) and Jay Spearing (Blackpool).

McCann said: 'John has deserved it with the goals he's scored. He's been outstanding and he really wants to keep it going.

'He's got nine goals in 13 games.

'It's a really good record but he's hungry for more.

'He can get a lot more and we just need to keep creating the chances for him.

'He's had the most touches in the opposition box than any other centre forward in the league.

'It's no coincidence he's the leading scorer.'

As for his own award, McCann is not interested in basking in any personal glory and is more focused on putting Rovers in the position to win further prizes come the end of the season.

'I haven't even touched it,' he said of the trophy. 'It's in the media office.

'I've said to the lads hopefully I'll get it at the end of the season along with a few others.

'I think it's a bit early to be giving out any recognition. It's something they've always done of course.

'My focus is on my staff and my team and working hard to keep up standards.'

McCann saw off competition from Lee Bowyer (Charlton), John Coleman (Accrington Stanley) and Kenny Jackett (Portsmouth) for the award.