Doncaster Rovers: '˜Love of life' drives Alfie May's club-best training ground performance

And Alfie May says his enjoyment of life as a professional footballer is powering his performance at Cantley Park.

The striker is more than 18 months into his career as a full time pro after joining from eighth tier Hythe Town.

And he insists he will never take for granted the position he is currently in.

'I love coming into training and coming in with a smile on my face every single day,' he said.

'This is a big thing for me. It was my life.

'I enjoy every single day.

'Speaking to family and friends at home, when I first moved up here they were worried how I'd settle in but I've made some great friends and it feels like home at the minute.

'I want to work. I think you've got to train how you play.

'If you work hard on the training pitch then hopefully you get rewarded with starts.

'The gaffer isn't afraid to change things as well which is a good thing.'

Currently, with Rovers' front three all performing well, May finds himself in the role of a substitute, regularly called upon by McCann in the second half of games.

The 25-year-old has regularly impressed off the bench, particularly in recent weeks, with his pace and direct running proving a valuable asset whether Rovers are chasing a win or looking to see out a game.

Despite earning praise, May admits he is never entirely happy if he has not scored.

'If I've had a chance, a good one where I think I should score, I'm definitely disappointed,' he said.

'That one chance could change the game. You could come on and win the game for the team.

'Sometimes you want to kick yourself when you miss one you think you should score.

'Hopefully when I get one in the league it'll carry on and get a few goals.

'There's some games where I've felt disappointed with myself. I think a lot of players do.

'I felt I could have done a little bit better but it is tough coming off the bench.

'It's something you have to deal with. It's football. You've just got to make sure your mentality is right and work as hard as you can to impress, get a goal and change the game.

'That's what subs are there for.'

The hard work on the training ground, coupled with impressive performances off the bench, has seen May establish himself as the next forward in line behind the current front three of John Marquis, Mallik Wilks and James Coppinger.

He is pleased to be in such a position but is determined to force his way into the starting trio.

'That does come down from working hard on the training pitch,' he said.

'The gaffer has got some confidence in me to put me on as first sub up front.

'Anyone on the bench can come on.

'It's how the game is going. If you need someone to stretch the game and get in behind, that's my game.

'The front three have been superb.

'Hopefully I can get the chance and keep the shirt for as many games as possible.'