Alex Baptiste gives Doncaster Rovers fitness boost ahead of Shrewsbury Town trip

The 34-year-old has been sidelined with an Achilles injury he suffered in the second match of the season at Rochdale.

But Rovers manager Darren Moore confirmed on Thursday that Baptiste will be in the first team squad which travels to Shrewsbury Town on Saturday after turning out for the under 23s on Tuesday.

“He's had another 90 minutes in midweek against Grimsby and he's done absolutely superb,” he said.

“He's trained again with us today and there's been no reaction to it. He's had his first full 90 minutes, so now he's had 45, 70 and 90 so he's more or less there.

“He's got tremendous experience and again it's another one like Matty Blair (who has returned to the first team after a five-month absence).

“We've got him back at this stage and it's wonderful to have Alex back. He's worked tremendously hard and he looks there or thereabouts.”

Baptiste joined Rovers last summer following a successful trial but was injured in only his second game for the club.

He is out of contract in May but speaking earlier this week revealed his main focus has been regaining his fitness ahead of the season’s climax.

“I’m out of a job in May,” he said. “I’ll just work as hard as I can. I don’t know what is going to happen.

“I’m just so happy to be back and involved in the squad and getting back towards playing again.

“I’m just taking it day by day and what happens in May, happens.

“I want to get in there and give it my best shot to see what happens.”