Doncaster Rovers were 'ready for the break' - not just physically

Rovers elected to postpone their trip to Oxford United on Saturday due to international call-ups, with the game now set to be played on January 5.

Last week’s Papa John’s Trophy tie with Wolverhampton Wanderers U21s was Rovers’ eight game in 24 days.

And with long trips to Portsmouth, Plymouth Argyle and AFC Wimbledon among the run, stand-in boss Butler feels the squad were drained in more ways than one.

“I think it’s been a tough period,” he said.

“Looking back on the players I think they’re a bit mentally drained.

“The travelling we’ve done, Plymouth, Portsmouth, it really does take it out of you when you’re on a bus for seven hours. It does take it out of you mentally.

“It’ll probably do them good, a rest and a break from football.

“But I’m sure they’ll have been looking at the three o’clock kick offs and wish they were playing.

“That is the kind of attitude in the changing room. They’ll be champing at the bit to get back.”

The players were given a break from training over the last few days but will return to Cantley Park from Monday.

Butler will continue to lead the side through training, along with Nick Buxton, head of sports science Rob Lee, physio Jon Chatfield and head of performance analysis Alex Bailey.

Darren Moore will return from his period of self-isolation on Wednesday along with senior coaches Jamie Smith and Paul Gerrard.

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