Doncaster Rovers: Tom Anderson ready to take his chance

The centre half has struggled for game time since completing a permanent move from Burnley in the summer, with only three starts from a possible 15 so far.

But with Andy Butler suffering a knock at the weekend and boss Grant McCann suggesting he will freshen up his side for the visit of the Mariners, Anderson is set to be handed a chance to impress.

'I'm very determined to impress,' Anderson said.

'We've had 12 games no and the lads have been great. Buts and Joe [Wright] have done really well.

'I've just got to stay patient, keep working hard day in, day out and be ready to take my chance.

'It's a great chance for anyone who comes in.

'Every time you play you've got a chance to impress.

'The lads have got to take that opportunity and get a chance.'

The 25-year-old has the assurance that he is likely to get an opportunity in league football sooner rather than later also.

Both Butler and Wright are currently on four yellow cards in the league this season with one more triggering a one match suspension.

Given that McCann's ultra-attacking philosophy often requires his defenders to make last-ditch tackles, a ban for Butler and/or Wright seems inevitable before the month is out.

'It can happen at any time with injuries and suspension or even a change in team,' he said.

'I think it's where your professionalism comes in.

'You need to do the right things day in, day out.

'When you do get your chance make sure you're ready to keep the shirt.'

Anderson's situation at Rovers has been a strange one.

He agreed to make his loan switch from Burnley permanent in one of Darren Ferguson's final acts as Rovers boss.

But he quickly found himself without the man who had signed him, before McCann was appointed boss.

'I think you've just got to get on with it in that situation,' Anderson said.

'It's football. People move on and things happen.

'You've just got to get your head down, work hard and wait for your chance.

'I've experienced it before when a manager goes and a new one comes in.

'You just have to stick to what you're good at, work hard and take your chances.

'You have to play the way the manager wants you to play.

'Here that's aggressive, on the front foot and be nice and tidy on the ball.

'Maybe you're even going to start the attack.

'We need to keep the clean sheets and give the side a foothold for the game.'