Brad Halliday on addressing mistakes in wake of Doncaster Rovers' tough day at Sunderland

The full back, exposed by a lack of cover, was given a torrid time by the Black Cats’ former Republic of Ireland international Aiden McGeady, who set up all four goals for the hosts.

The 25-year-old was far from happy with his own performance on the day but insists he cannot dwell on it for too long.

“We looked at that game and it was disappointing for myself personally,” he said.

“I felt that I’d let myself and the team down.

“But looking forward from that, I just look at it as a game that was a loss. It could have been 0-0, we could have won 1-0 in the 90th minute - it’s the same outcome because you move onto the next one.

“You don’t like to get beat in that fashion but we had chances to get something from the game. That wasn’t the case and it was a loss of three points.

“And I just look at it as another game.”

When it comes to addressing mistakes, or what he could have done better, Halliday says he always examines his performances closely, regardless of the result.

“I think I try to improve every day as a player and as a person, on and off the pitch,” he said.

“The playing side of it, there are always things within my game that I want to improve on and I said that from the day I walked in.

“I don’t think anyone would look at themselves and say they’re a complete package.

“I want to get better in both aspects of the game - whether that’s attacking with scoring goals and picking up assists or defending, stopping crosses and getting the better of my opponent.

“I think that’s a massive one before every game that we say and that’s we need to win our one v one battles.

“Looking at the team that day and I think nearly every one of us lost those battles and that is probably the reason we got beat.”

Halliday netted his first ever goal for Rovers in December’s win over Gillingham and has since, at times, looked desperate to add to his tally, particularly in the victory over AFC Wimbledon last month.

But he insists his primary focus will always be on his defensive responsibilities when playing at right back.

“I’m desperate to get forward, get assists and goals and help the team going forward,” he said.

“My main job is a defender so as long as we keep the back door shut, that’s my job first and foremost, to stop goals, then I can go and try to get goals, which is something I do want to do.

“It’s hard balancing it but it’s football, regardless of the position you play. A striker’s main job is to score goals but it’s not the only job.

“Defending is about concentration so if you can keep that and win the one v one battles, that’s always the hardest part of defending.

“After that you can go forward and attack.”

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.