Darren Moore on whether more depth will equal less position shuffling at Doncaster Rovers

Moore has regularly moved players out of position for Rovers this season, most notably Reece James who has played at left back only once in his last 15 appearances for the club.

The arrivals of Scott Robertson and John Bostock have bolstered Moore’s options in the middle of the park but the Rovers boss says he envisages using the likes of James in the position again this term.

“They’ve shown that versatility, whatever system and team I’ve picked, you’ve got people who can go into positions that are not deemed their natural position,” he said.

“It’s great for them and the team that they’ve got used to and adopted a new position.

“They can play it, play it well and adapt to it which is pleasing for the club that we have players who can learn, develop and be taught.

“Those kind of things are really important for the players that they get first hand.

“Do I see them going back in there? Yes, if they are needed, by all means and without a doubt.”

Moore had pledged to look within his squad in order to replace former captain Ben Whiteman, who joined Preston North End.

And he says he has been pleased with the performances in the deep-lying midfield role since Whiteman’s departure.

Moore said: “Matty Smith has stepped in, Reece James has had a spell in there, young AJ Greaves, Brad Halliday, Taylor Richards has dropped back in.

“There’s been that rotation in there that they are all well versed in what is expected and when they do go into that role.

“They have continued the work that they know about the dynamics of the team, how we’ve been working and not just over the course of this season but building on last season.

“The big thing for me is to continue to develop and improve the team.

“You’ve seen I’ve had to accommodate and work people in those positions to see us through games and credit to those players and the work that we’ve done that they've helped maintain the team’s progression.”

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