Doncaster Rovers: Alfie Beestin gives Grant McCann ‘something to think about’

The 21-year-old endured a difficult time with National League Chesterfield, making only five appearances - just two of which were starts.

The loan came as a result of a lack of opportunities at Rovers and with the forward's current contract set to expire in the summer, it seemed likely his time at the club was coming to an end.

But McCann has praised Beestin for his general performance since returning to Doncaster and says he is finally seeing evidence of the quality he had been told about when he arrived at the club last summer.

"He's been great since he's come back," McCann told the Free Press.

"I have to be honest, he's looking like the player everyone told me he was since he came back from Chesterfield.

"That loan has probably helped Beest see the grass is not always greener. It's tough in the National League.

"He's come back and he's been outstanding every day.

"He gets his head down and he's starting to look more positive in his play. He's working hard.

"He's involved in the first team at the minute and it's down to him to make an impact for the rest of the season."

McCann insists he had always kept the door open for Beestin to earn a new deal with the club - particularly due to the glowing references the former Tadcaster Albion forward was given.

Beestin had earned himself a regular place in the Rovers side in the second half of last season under Darren Ferguson but struggled to do the same following the change of manager in the summer.

"It wasn't a case of Alfie Beestin is done here," McCann said. "I was always open.

"I'm a collaborative person. I like to take advice off people and everyone I spoke to here when I first came in told me how good he was.

"I didn't see it and I was open and honest with Alfie on that.

"I told him I didn't see what everyone was telling me about him and that maybe a loan was the best thing for him.

"I think what it's done is make him realise it's an unbelievable opportunity that he has here.

"If he just brings that belief out of himself, he's got a really good chance."