Doncaster Rovers ready for test of familiar face Mallik Wilks

But the Rovers squad will also know it takes more than knowledge of Mallik Wilks’ attributes to stop the forward.

Wilks enjoyed a superb loan spell with Rovers during the 2018/19 season, when he netted 16 goals in 55 appearances to help them into the play-offs.

Now reunited with the man who was in charge of Rovers during his spell Grant McCann, he has already scored eight goals in 15 matches and been one of the main driving forces in the Tigers’ rise to the top of League One.

Rovers boss Darren Moore insists there has been no focus on any particular player in preparation for the visit to the leaders but admits the prior knowledge of Wilks will be an asset for his side.

“We know all about him, as he knows all about us and the players know all about him,” he said.

“I suppose it’s one of the beauties of the game really that the players know him and he knows them.

“The information is not really needed on him. We speak about him of course but it’s the team that Hull are.

“The players know him but we’ve spoken about Hull as a whole.”

Wilks’ main threat was his ability to cut in off the flank, race across the front of the box and drill low left footed shots towards the near post.

But just because his intentions are obvious, stopping him has proven to be a very difficult task.

“He’s a good player, a quality player,” Moore said. “He’s blessed with wonderful speed, wonderful tight control and an eye for goal.

“At the level we’re at he’s a good player, a strong player.

“These are the type of challenges that you face in a season and you’ve got to come together as a group to rise to the challenge.

“These are the hurdles that you’re faced with.

“The boy’s individual performances have been of a high standard and we expect another one coming from him on Wednesday.

“It’s a standard and type of player that if you want to any desire in the division, you want to go up against these players and challenge yourself. We’ve got the opportunity to do so.

*

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.