Doncaster Rovers: Tom Anderson’s ban ‘could be making of someone else’

The centre half has arguably been the most consistent performer at Doncaster Rovers this season with a string of towering performances.

But Rovers will have to make do without him for three of the next four matches due to suspension as a result of his sending off at Wycombe Wanderers.

Three senior players are set to vie for two places during Anderson’s absence with Joe Wright, Donervon Daniels and the returning Cameron John all hoping to be selected, initially for Sunday’s FA Cup second round tie at Gillingham.

Boss Darren Moore says all three should see this as a golden opportunity to cement their place in his plans going forward.

“Whoever we go with will have to carry on and fill Tom's boots in that space that he's left,” Moore said.

“In terms of Tom, it gives someone else the opportunity to stake their claim.

“Football sometimes serves up these incidents that happen and sometimes it can be the making of someone else.

“Let's hope that someone else steps in and gives me a real headache when Tom's suspension period is up.

“He's been an excellent and consistent performer for us this season.”

With Daniels having suffered a concussion in the defeat at Wycombe, it appears likely that Cameron John will be selected to partner Wright this weekend.

John completed 60 minutes for Rovers U23s in midweek in his first taste of match action since suffering an ankle injury in late September.

Daniels however is progressing well through the Football Association’s concussion protocol and looks set to be available to play some part in the game.

Moore said: “Donervon is still on course with his recovery from the concussion he suffered last week.

“We have Cameron John available so we have some options there for the game. He had 60 minutes in the week, which was excellent. He's trained over the last few days. Credit to him, his fitness levels are very good.

“We will give all three players that can play in that position in the absence of Tom, the most time to stake a claim for that position.”

Anderson’s suspension does not cover the Leasing.com Trophy game with Leicester City U21s on Wednesday night, meaning he is currently set to miss Sunday’s cup match along with League One games against MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon.