'I don't listen to outside noise too much' - Doncaster Rovers defender on dealing with social media negativity

But it has also put those same footballers in the firing line of those all too free with expressing criticism and abuse.

Some find themselves under scrutiny to a much greater extent than their teammates.

For Cameron John, his deployment at left back for much of the season has put him firmly in the spotlight, particularly with others in the squad who would call it their natural position.

Active on social media himself, the 21-year-old is having to deal with such scrutiny but is attempting to ignore any naysayers.

“It’s part and parcel of the job really,” he told the Free Press.

“You’re going to get people scrutinising you, especially if you’re not playing in your normal position.

“But for me personally, you’ve got to put all that to one side.

“Everyone will have their opinion on it. Football is a game of opinions.

“As long as I know in myself that I’m giving it 100 per cent and I’m trying my best for the team whether it is left back or centre back, that’s all that matters.

“If my coaches believe in me and my teammates believe in me, that’s all that I need.

“I don’t listen to the outside noise too much because that can just consume me in the wrong way.

“You don’t want that. You don’t need that.”

John says he is not too worried about the views of others and is only concerned about meeting the standards that he sets himself.

“As a player, I know when I’ve had a good game or I’ve had a bad game, or when I could’ve done things better,” he said.

“I don’t need to go on social media and get my validation on how good I am or how I’ve played.

“I know myself, I’m self-reflective and critical of myself. I am my hardest critic.

“It’s easy to say I look at it and I let it affect me but I don’t. I don’t pay too much attention to it.

“That would be taking my attention away from what my goal is every day which is to get better at football and doing a job for the team.”

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.