Andy Butler doesn't care what is motivating his Doncaster Rovers players as long as they are fired up

Rovers have failed to win in their last six matches and now sit three points off the play-offs as they head to Bristol Rovers on Bank Holiday Monday.

The last few matches have been characterised by an absence of attacking threat, something they must rectify quickly if they are to reignite their play-off push.

“Everyone has got something to play for,” Butler said.

“I said to them before Saturday’s game that whatever it is - friends, family, money - whatever, they have to bring that with you onto the football pitch.

“If you don’t, you’re up against 11 players on the opposing team who do have that motivation. You have to have something driving you on that pitch, whatever it may be.

“I said to the players that motivation is key because if you have that then your ability will follow.

“Getting into the top six should be a big motivation.

“We’re out of it now but we’ve still got games in hand over the teams around us. Games in hand are dwindling down but it is still in our hands.

“And I’ve said to the players that they have to have the belief because otherwise there is no point in playing.”

Monday’s hosts Bristol Rovers currently sit second bottom of League One, having lost their last five.

Though Joey Barton’s side are struggling in their fight against relegation, Butler is expecting a tough battle at the Memorial Stadium.

“That is exactly what they will do,” Butler said. “They’ll be scrapping for their lives.

“I expect a very tough game. The new manager has gone in there and we need to go there, dictate things and put a performance in.

“I’m expecting a team that is going to work their socks off and give absolutely everything for the cause.

“They’ve got a manager who wants that and demands that so first and foremost we have to deal with that and then impose ourselves on them.”

Joe Wright will be monitored after suffering a neck injury in the defeat to Charlton Athletic with Cameron John poised to come into the side.

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