Darren Moore updates on Ben Whiteman as he misses Doncaster Rovers' cup defeat

The skipper was a notable absence from the Rovers’ squad for their first competitive game of the 2020/21 campaign, particularly given the growing interest in the midfielder elsewhere.

But Whiteman was at Ewood Park to watch his Rovers team mates slip to a 3-2 defeat to the Championship side in the Carabao Cup first round clash.

And Moore said afterwards that he refused to risk the long-term fitness of his captain.

“Ben was with us but I just couldn’t take the risk,” he said.

“Hopefully he’ll be back in with us this week and we’ll take it from there.”

Addressing the interest in Whiteman - which has seen a number of bids lodged by South Yorkshire rivals Barnsley all rejected - Moore praised the midfielder’s mindset and insisted it is business as usual for the squad.

“There’s been interest in him but he’s still contracted to us,” Moore said.

“We admire him a lot, we value him a lot and he’s with us.

“He’s got a valuation on his head and if that’s not met he carries on as normal.

“Credit to him, he understands the situation and we keep working.”

In Whiteman’s absence, Rovers struggled in the opening 45 minutes and fell behind to a Lewis Holtby free kick.

But a Fejiri Okenabirhie penalty and a Madger Gomes strike put Rovers ahead, only for Joe Rankin-Costello and Adam Armstrong to turn the tables again in Blackburn’s favour.

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