Darren Moore talks Cameron John choice against Accrington Stanley and why he won't risk his players' physical well-being

John in particular came in for strong criticism following Rovers’ poor defensive showing in the defeat to Sunderland at the weekend, and was replaced at left back by Reece James on Wednesday night.

But Moore insists John was named among the substitutes due to his physical condition, having made eight full 90 minute appearances in just four weeks in the taxing left back role.

“He was one again from a medical point of view and speaking with the sports science department, he has had a lot of games,” Moore said.

“He was a red flag going into the game so I knew I couldn’t play him for 90 minutes.

“It was the same with Matt Smith.

“It would have been a risk to start either of them.

“With the games coming thick and fast, we couldn’t do that. They’re both energetic players and we didn’t want to take that risk.”

Moore says he is being forced to show more consideration towards the physical condition of his players between matches due to the heavy schedule, and looking out for telltale signs that starting certain individuals could be pushing them closer to injury.

The Rovers boss believes a programme of targeted recovery and training work is helping to guard his players against injury and making them more robust to the demands the fixture list is placing upon them.

But he says finding the balance between not risking players and naming his best side for any particular fixture is not easy.

“The last thing we want to do is lose players at a point when that can be preventable,” he said.

“If we know the information and we can do something about it, then we’ll try to.”

“I’m hopeful if we continue what we’ve been doing, I’ll be able to look at a team of players that I know can do 90 minutes.

"And when I turn to my bench I’ll be able to think there are more that could do 90 minutes,

“We’re creeping towards that but the main focus is not losing games, I don’t want to risk losing games.”

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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.