Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann wants ‘another energetic performance’ as tough spell begins at Luton Town

Grant McCann has challenged Doncaster Rovers to build on their derby-day victory over Sheffield Wednesday when they begin a demanding run of five consecutive away games starting at Luton Town.

The Rovers boss is expecting another tough test against a side he believes will be challenging for promotion, but is confident his team can travel to Kenilworth Road and compete for all three points.

McCann told club media: “It's the start of five games on the spin away from home, so it's another tough spell for us. It's another team that's probably fancied to be around the top six.”

Rovers lost 1-0 at Kenilworth Road after Kal Naismith got on the end of a set piece from George Saville in what proved to be a tight-fought affair.

“They're a strong team for the division,” McCann added.

“It's always hard to play at their stadium. We were good there last year and lost the game off a set play, so we want to be better than coming away with nothing at least. We want to go there and give a really good account of ourselves and see if we can win the game.”

Rovers will have a quick turnaround following Saturday's victory, with McCann emphasising the importance of ensuring his players are sufficiently rested before travelling south.

He’ll face big decisions on whether to stick with Jack Senior, Jamie Sterry and Will Keane, who have all had limited gametime in recent weeks.

He added: “It's the same for everyone. We just have to make sure the players have got enough rest in them and the preparation's right.

“We'll travel down tomorrow early on and let the boys relax and rest in the hotel before the game, and then get ready for hopefully another energetic performance.”

McCann expects Luton to pose a significant challenge, pointing to their experience and summer recruitment as reasons why they will be difficult opponents.

Now managed by Jack Wilshere have had a mixed start and currently sit in 10th position. However, they come into the match on the back of a key win over Leicester City.

“It's a tough game. It's another team that we've seen in the Premier League three years, two or three years ago, just like Leicester,” McCann said.

“They're really, really tough games in this division, but we're feeling good about ourselves at the minute. We want to go and give another good account of ourselves.”

The Rovers boss also praised the club's travelling support ahead of the five-game away run, acknowledging the commitment of fans who regularly sell out their allocations.

“Our fans are outstanding away from home,” he said.

“We tend to sell out every allocation that we're given. I'm not sure how many are coming to Luton on a Tuesday night, which is not close, but the ones who are there, we'll be there with bells on, hopefully supporting us all to another three points.

“We appreciate their support all the time.”