Doncaster Rovers boss' sympathy for youngsters and veteran at missing out on FA Cup tie at West Ham

Rovers are set to face the on form Premier League side with a patched up squad, with Moore suggesting he will call on players from the club’s U18s squad to fill up his bench.

Madger Gomes (hamstring) and James Coppinger (calf) are still sidelined while Tyreece John-Jules is facing two to three months out after injuring his hamstring last week.

And both AJ Greaves and Branden Horton are cup tied having featured in the qualifying rounds of the competition while on loan earlier this season.

But, in typical fashion, Moore says he will roll with the punches and has backed whichever players are selected to perform against the Hammers.

“I’m not frustrated - it is what it is and we can’t cry over spilt milk,” he said.

“We are trying to get some bodies in. When you look at the squad it’s apparent we need to get some in because we are light.

“With the fixture list what it is, I’m looking over my shoulder more than usual at what is to come.

“On Saturday we’ve got the bodies what we’ve got and we’ll contest the game with what we’ve got.”

Moore admits that he felt for AJ Greaves when learning the young midfielder - who made an impressive full league debut for the club on Tuesday - would miss out on a trip to the London Stadium.

But he says he also shares sympathy with a player at the other end of his career, James Coppinger, who will be absent.

Moore said: “For AJ and Branden, as young players aspiring to be professional footballers, these are the type of games that you dream of one day playing in.

“Those two to not be available through being cup tied, it’s such a shame they cannot be a part of it.

“But I also look at James Coppinger, who is coming to the end of his career, I’m sure he would be wanting to play it.

“It is what it is and the best thing those boys can do is lend tier support behind the team on Saturday.”

*

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.