Doncaster Rovers: New recruit Calder '˜can handle the pressure'

Darren Ferguson is confident that new loan signing Riccardo Calder has the stomach for a relegation fight.

The 20-year-old midfielder - yet to make an appearance for parent club Aston Villa - joined Rovers until the end of the season yesterday.

Calder, who can operate across the middle or as a left wing back, made 11 appearances for Scottish Premiership side Dundee earlier this season before returning to Villa Park.

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Despite his inexperience, Ferguson is confident his new addition can handle a potential pressure-cooker environment, starting with tomorrow’s six-pointer at home to fellow strugglers Shrewsbury Town.

“I like the fact that he’s been out to Dundee and got that experience, similar to what did Conor Grant did at Motherwell,” said Ferguson.

“I think quite a lot of players in the Premier League would’ve turned that opportunity down, so he’s shown the right mentality to go and do that.

“I had to be aware of, and speak to people about, the situation he’s coming into in terms of where we are in the league and also our form.

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“But the recommendation was very good that he can handle that side of it, because that was an important factor. And I’m sure he can.”

Calder’s ability to play in several different positions appealed to Ferguson.

“The attraction to us is that whatever formation we decide to play in certain games, he can fit into most of them,” said Rovers’ boss.

“He’s got lots of energy, lots of pace. He’s a strong boy. He can play wide midfield, central and he can play as a wing back as well, so he clearly ticks a lot of the boxes.

He added: “We’re hopeful of getting another one in either next week or the week after.”