Doncaster Rovers: Familiar face awaits Danny Amos on Northern Ireland duty

Working alongside U21s boss Andy Crosby is former Rovers first team coach John Schofield, who Amos worked under during his progression through the academy at Cantley Park.

Schofield departed Rovers in the summer during the programme of redundancies and took up a role with Northern Ireland.

“I thought I’d got rid of him for the time being,” Amos joked.

“Schoey has been brilliant with me ever since I started in the youth team here.

“Having Schoey there was big for me. He knows all about me as much as I do.

“With him being there alongside Andy Crosby, that’s been great because I get on really well with those two.”

Amos this week linked up with the U21s for what will be his final call in the age group.

Until recently the 20-year-old had been made to wait for opportunities for game time with Rovers.

Instead, most of his minutes had come on the international stage, and he believes that aided his attempts to make an impact for his club when called on.

He said: “Getting the minutes there gave me extra confidence coming back into training here and showing what I’ve learned, as well as what I could do in front of the gaffer and Jamie [Smith].

“It gives me massive confidence. Getting those minutes was a massive benefit for me.

“Getting those assists as well on that first call-up. I got a bit of stick off the lads for claiming them. I think one was a secondary assist and the other was a shot-cross. But they all count.”

As his time with the U21s comes to an end, Amos has set his sights on pushing for a place in the senior Northern Ireland squad, as well as establishing himself in the Rovers side.

He said: “If I can get regular starts here then I can put myself in line for Ian Barraclough’s team and become a senior international.

“When I first got called up to the U21s I think there were four or five lads that managed to work their way into the seniors.

“If you do well for the U21s you get the chance you deserve with the seniors.”

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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.