What sort of player have Doncaster Rovers got in Matty Blair?

Doncaster Rovers have signed winger Matty Blair at just the right time.
Matty Blair signed for Doncaster yesterday after rejecting a new deal with Mansfield.Matty Blair signed for Doncaster yesterday after rejecting a new deal with Mansfield.
Matty Blair signed for Doncaster yesterday after rejecting a new deal with Mansfield.

So says Mansfield Town reporter John Lomas, who reckons most Stags fans will be sorry to see the 26-year-old depart for Doncaster.

Blair was sidelined for eight months after suffering cruciate knee ligament damage on just his third appearance for Mansfield, in January 2015.

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But, according to Mansfield Chad writer Lomas, the former Kidderminster, York City and Fleetwood man had just started to show what he was capable of towards the end of the last season.

And he reckons Rovers could reap the rewards of his full recovery when the new season kicks off.

“He went through a bit of a tough time because at the same time as his injury he found out his brother had been diagnosed with a brain tumour,” said Lomas.

“But he’s plugged away, got himself stronger and stronger, and in recent weeks he’s looked like the player that Mansfield wanted when they signed him.

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“With a full pre-season behind him, if Doncaster can get him fully fit and firing then they’ve got him at just the right time.

“A lot of Mansfield fans will be disappointed to see him go,” he added.

“He’s a likeable lad who always has a smile on his face, and he did even through those tough times.

“He’s a good winger too. He can play from either side, or in the number ten position. He’s predominantly left footed and was playing wide left in a 4-1-3-2 formation.

“He’s not the biggest of players but he’s quick and he’s got an accurate cross. He tends to catch defenders by surprise with little bursts of pace.”