Doncaster Rovers boss ready to use homegrown talent when situation calls for it

Moore handed midfielder AJ Greaves his league debut off the bench in Saturday’s win at Swindon Town.

The 20-year-old impressed in his 20 minute cameo, particularly given he has had limited match time since October when his loan at Gainsborough Trinity was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

With Liam Ravenhill and Lirak Hasani also receiving game time this season and Branden Horton recalled from his loan at Redditch United, Moore says he is willing to call on the young talent to help Rovers through the demanding fixture calendar.

“Young AJ came on and he was really good in his decision-making and his work rate,” the Rovers boss said.

“He used the ball well and got us up the pitch when he needed to and he played some really important minutes when he got on the pitch.

“Everybody has got to do their bit.”

Greaves is set to be around matchday squads more regularly with Hasani having joined Gateshead United on loan for the rest of the season.

As one of the more senior members of the crop of Academy graduates, Moore says the midfielder is well aware of what it takes to be a part of his side.

“He’s back with us after his loan and he’s been in with us long enough now, he knows what is expected,” Moore said.

“He’s a lot a bit older, even though he’s in the younger ages so he knows what he has to do in that midfield department.

“He showed some real good signs, his decision-making was very good.

“He can feel pleased with that.”

Moore admits he was looking to send another young player out on loan but has been forced to alter his plans after competition below National League North/South was put on hold due to the pandemic.

“We were looking at getting Lirak and maybe another out to get those minutes,” he said.

“Because of the situation we’re in, some clubs have stopped playing so it’s stopped some of our younger ones going out.

“AJ and Branden are back, they’ve had their taste of first team football and if it’s right, we use them.”

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