Doncaster Rovers: Ross Etheridge may get chance to redeem himself in cup clashes

The Scot admitted his summer signing from Accrington Stanley had no excuses for the two basic errors that cost Rovers two points against Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.

Etheridge, 22, lost his place to Marko Marosi after two unconvincing displays at the start of the season and prior to the weekend had made just one competitive start, in the Checkatrade Trophy, in two months.

Last week Ferguson revealed he had considered sending Etheridge out on loan to get some more league football under his belt.

But with Rovers’ boss set to hand several of his fringe men the chance to impress in the next two games - at Oldham Atheltic in the first round of the FA Cup on Saturday and at home to Port Vale in the Checkatrade Trophy a week today - Etheridge could be given the opportunity to atone for his mistakes.

“I’ll assess the situation,” Ferguson told The Star.

“I fully expect Marko to be fit for Saturday but maybe the best thing to do is chuck Ross straight back in, keep him in the team and get some games into him. I’ll have to make a decision on that.

“He has played games but not at competitive level,” added Ferguson.

“I think it’s hard to make excuses for the mistakes to be honest.

“The first goal was really disappointing and you’ve got to be stronger. It was a straightforward cross.

“It’s difficult with the way the loan system is now.

“I would loan him out to a Conference team to get him games, and it was certainly a consideration because you can bring him back at 24 hours notice should you need to.”

Earlier this season - before Marosi impressively grasped his opportunity between the sticks - Ferguson had revealed he had considered signing a more experienced goalkeeper.

Asked if that was still an option, Ferguson replied: “I’m not going to panic on it.

“The way the season has gone, clearly Marko’s done very well for me. I can’t remember many mistakes he’s made.

“It gives me a good chance now to analyse the first third of the season.

“Certainly we’ve conceded too many goals and that’s something we need to get rid of.”

Etheridge made 25 appearances for Stanley last term - his first season in the Football League.