Grant McCann's reaction to Bolton Wanderers draw as he provides Hanlan and Clark update
Grant McCann was delighted with his Doncaster Rovers players after they dug in to claim a hard-fought point away at Bolton.
Rovers put on a terrific defensive performance to keep the third-placed Trotters quiet in an entertaining goalless draw. The hosts dominated the ball and fashioned 23 shots but couldn't find a way past a resolute away rearguard. "I thought it was a really good performance," McCann said post-match. "We showed calmness and we showed bravery at times tonight to come here because when you come to a stadium like this with around 20,000 here, you have to do that.
"Bolton are a really good, possession-based team. We had to make sure the structure of the team was right and in terms of an away performance, it was very, very good. We defended excellently against one of the highest-scoring teams in the division. I think they started with all their finishers tonight - all the forwards they could have started with - and we've kept them out, which is pleasing."
He also had praise for two individuals in particular, Robbie Gotts and Luke Molyneux.
"Gottsy was sensational tonight," he added. "Outstanding. He had so much energy and aggression about him, and also a calmness to play. It was a really good performance." And on winger Molyneux, he said: "Mols looked really, really threatening. He was good both ways tonight and worked hard and I thought he was going to score when he came inside near the end but it didn't quite go our way."
Rovers made three changes to their starting XI at the Toughsheet Community Stadium with two of those - goalkeeper Zander Clark and striker Brandon Hanlan - not even in the squad. Providing an update on the pair post-match, the Northern Irishman confirmed Hearts loanee Clark came down with illness over the weekend whilst Hanlan has picked up a hamstring injury.
On the latter, McCann said: "Brandon's felt his hamstring, but it's not too bad. I think we should be able to get him back for the weekend (vs Barnsley). This game came just too quick for him. He went for a scan yesterday and Dave (Rennie, head of medical) got the results back today. Fortunately, it's just tightness. I always fear the worst when players go for scans. But I was pleased when Dave said that he got the results back and it's not too bad so Brandon should be out training on Thursday."