Doncaster Rovers: '˜I know I can perform a lot better' - Tommy Rowe

It is unlikely Ferguson could be more critical of Rowe than Rowe himself.

The 29-year-old admits he has yet to reach the heights he is capable of so far this season but is determined to do so.

Rowe turned in an excellent performance in Rovers’ win over Portsmouth on Tuesday night.

And he is keen to follow that up with another good showing against Walsall this weekend.

“I’m my own biggest critic,” he told the Free Press.

“It’s quite easy when me and the manager are talking. If he pulls me and I know I’ve not be hitting form.

“It’s been quite sporadic. In patches, good and bad.

“It’s just about getting the consistency now.

“I know I can perform a lot better than what I have been doing.

“If I’m coming off the pitch sulking, or just thinking about what I can do better, it’s for a reason because I expect a lot from myself.”

Rovers have been characterised by the youthful nature of their sides in games this season. The average age of starting XIs has regularly been in the early 20s.

Given the relative inexperience, Rowe feels it is important those with plenty of games under their belts step up.

He said: “It’s important, with a young team, with the one’s that are experienced – and I would include myself in that at my age and I’ve played a lot of games – I have to show that.

“The manager demands it and I demand it.

“The team needs every player playing at their top.

“If we’re going to have any success this season, we need it from every player really.

“Individually, I know I can get to a lot higher level than what I’ve been playing at.

“The last few weeks, I have been carrying knocks that I’ve needed to shake off. It’ll be a great feeling for me. I felt brilliant against Portsmouth and it’s just getting through those little things.

“I just want to push on and get back to back good performances.”