Doncaster Rovers: Grant McCann's praise for '˜exceptional' Joe Wright

He may have to make do without Joe Wright this weekend but Grant McCann is full of praise for the Doncaster Rovers centre half.
Joe WrightJoe Wright
Joe Wright

Wright will sit out Saturday's visit of Gillingham after picking up his fifth league booking of the season last weekend.

The form of the 23-year-old so far this term has been excellent and he showed superb maturity at Rochdale on Saturday to not let his early yellow card have any affect on his game.

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'I think Joe has been exceptional this season,' McCann said.

'Some of his form. I just love the way he plays on the front foot.

'He never worries about what's behind him, only what's in front of him and trying to win the ball.

'All good centre halves play like that.

'And if he does get done in behind, he's quick enough to get back.

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'I remember playing against him last season and he dealt with Jack Marriott, and Jack is quick.

'Joe can handle any striker in this league when he's on his game.'

One factor that hampered Wright's first two seasons at Rovers was a lack of consistency with performances ranging from excellent to poor but rarely in the middle.

But this season he has found the consistent touch and McCann puts that down to his focus.

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'I think it's just hard work, concentration, keeping on top of him,' McCann said.

'Probably the sessions and the drills we do most days, he has to concentrate or else they concede.

'I'm really pleased with him and the whole back four, though I think they deserve some more clean sheets.

'That is something we've been working on as well.'

Tom Anderson is set to deputise for Wright on Saturday alongside Andy Butler, who himself is only one booking away from a ban.