Darren Moore talks Doncaster Rovers selection issues ahead of Blackburn Rovers clash

Darren Moore says he is confident that any of his Doncaster Rovers side selected against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday will be able to handle playing 90 minutes.
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Moore had previously expressed concern over what team he would be able to select at Ewood Park after the Carabao Cup clash was brought forward.

But after rewriting his pre-season plans, the Rovers boss believes his players will be up to the challenge - even if their first taste of full match action would have typically taken place in a friendly.

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“They’re all in a position now where we’re looking for them to play 90 minutes if needed,” he told the Free Press.

Darren MooreDarren Moore
Darren Moore

“Only the state of the game at the time and our professional understanding and our eyes on the game will determine that. All the squad is capable of going and playing 90 minutes.

“The game will ebb and flow as normal and substitutions will play their part.

“Everyone is in a physical state where they will be expected to be able to play 90 minutes.”

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Rovers took part in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Wednesday and were given an incredibly tough workout by Championship opposition.

And that was exactly what Moore was hoping for.

“It was an excellent match in terms of what we needed at the time,” he said.

“Speaking to their manager, they are in their ninth week of pre-season so they are well ready at this stage.

“We needed that game because the physicality of the game was immense.

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“I was happy to have the game because from a mindset point of view, having played them and beat them last season, it just gave us a point of view and a real eye opener of where we need to get to.

“They really worked us but I was so pleased because the boys were panting by the end of it.”

On Saturday Rovers look likely to be without left back Reece James who has been sidelined with a leg injury for the last fortnight.

Moore said: “I’m not 100 per cent convinced on him and if I’m not 100 per cent then I won’t risk him.

“He’s 50-50 at the moment.”

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