Darren Moore will look to show there's even more versatility in the Doncaster Rovers squad

Darren Moore is becoming known for throwing curveballs with his team selection at Doncaster Rovers - and he says he will not be stopping any time soon.
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The Rovers boss started with four players out of what would be termed their natural positions for the FA Cup win over Blackburn Rovers, with others moving around following substitutions.

Reece James has played more games away from left back this season as he has shown remarkable versatility.

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Brad Halliday has moved into an attacking midfield role on occasion and played as a holding midfielder alongside James on Saturday in the absence of captain Ben Whiteman, while Joe Wright slotted in at right back and Fejiri Okenabirhie moved onto the wing.

Brad Halliday played as a holding midfielder against Blackburn Rovers. Picture: Andrew Roe/AHPIXBrad Halliday played as a holding midfielder against Blackburn Rovers. Picture: Andrew Roe/AHPIX
Brad Halliday played as a holding midfielder against Blackburn Rovers. Picture: Andrew Roe/AHPIX

Moore lauded his players’ versatility in positions and said he will be looking for even more of it as he plots his way through a congested fixture calendar until the end of the season.

“Hopefully that will give the individuals confidence within themselves to show that versatility,” the Rovers boss said.

“It’s going to have to be that way because with our fixture congestion ahead, I will continue to utilise the squad in the best possible way.

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“That will be about who we come up against and how we go up against them with the personnel we’ve got.

“We need to utilise the squad to the best of its ability.

“You’ve seen players playing in different positions.

“We had, if you look on paper, two full backs playing in midfield. And then you had Fej playing off the left and right, showing his versatility, Elliot [Simoes] changing positions and Joe Wright at right back.

“Everybody that played in different positions played them spot on. I think that is the pleasing thing for me against the opposition we did it against.”

Though Rovers have a blank midweek this week, Saturday’s trip to Swindon Town sees them begin a run of five matches in 14 days, with other busy periods quickly following.

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Their home game against Rochdale, set for January 23, will now be rearranged with the FA Cup fourth round tie against West Ham United set to take place that weekend.

Rovers are also still yet to rearrange the trip to Oxford United which was postponed on January 5.

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