Doncaster Rovers youngster Ravenhill backed for pro deal after excellent pre-season so far
Darren Moore says youngster Liam Ravenhill can quickly earn himself a full time professional contract if he continues with his rate of development at Doncaster Rovers.
The midfielder started Rovers’ first friendly of pre-season on Saturday at Scunthorpe United, building on the positive impression he has made since the squad returned to training.
While the plan is for the 17-year-old to return to the U18s group in the coming weeks, Moore says he can ensure he is never far away from the senior set-up if he continues to impress.
“Watching him last season for the U23s, he’s got a wonderful appetite for the game and a great workrate for the team,” Moore said.
“He’s coming along really well and I’m sure pre-season with the first team will really benefit him when he goes back to his usual stomping ground.
“If he plays his cards right with his development and productivity there is a wonderful new deal on the table for him.
“There’s an opportunity for him to stake a claim
“At the moment he’s not a starter but you’ve all got to start from somewhere.”
Ravenhill - son of former Rovers midfielder Ricky - has just started his second year as a scholar with the club.
He featured on Saturday alongside recent youth team graduates Lirak Hasani and Ben Blythe.
Moore was pleased with the showing from his side, with the focus being largely on feeling their way back into action, more than five months on since their last match.
“What I wanted was 45 minutes and for the players to start that road to match fitness and use the game to blow off a few of the cobwebs and get their timing right,” he said.
“It just got that rustiness out of our game and I think it will have done us the world of good.
“We scored three lovely goals. Brad Halliday with a precise finish and a really powerful strike. Ben Whiteman picked his spot and expertly and coolly finished it.
“And Tom Anderson got across his man and side-foot volleyed it.
“We conceded a couple of sloppy goals and it was probably a bit of miscommunication from a couple of the younger lads.”