'I was buzzing to find out they'd been in touch' - Scott Robertson's delight at joining Doncaster Rovers

A phonecall received as he made his way to Doncaster prepared him for what sort of welcome to expect at the Keepmoat.

On the other end of the line was assistant manager of his parent club Celtic, Gavin Strachan, who held the same position during Darren Ferguson’s time in charge of the Keepmoat.

“When I was driving down, Gavin called me and told me all about the club, the people in it and how good they were and how much they’d help me settle,” Robertson said.

“They just said to come here and play as much football as I can and try to go back to Celtic in the summer a better player.”

Strachan’s briefing may have clued the 19-year-old on what to expect off the pitch, but he had a pretty good idea about on-field matters at Rovers.

There were discussions between Rovers and Celtic about Robertson potentially moving on loan last summer but he would instead join Gillingham.

And he admits being impressed when part of the Gills’ travelling party that suffered defeat at the Keepmoat in December.

“I came here earlier in the season with Gillingham and Doncaster passed us off the pitch,” he said.

“It’s one of my strengths, getting on the ball, recycling it and making a team tick.

“I think I can go into midfield and not look out of place.

“In the summer I was meant to come either here or Gillingham. I ended up going there but when I went back to Celtic in January I was buzzing to find out they’d been in touch with the club and my agent and said they wanted me.”

Rovers’ interest was maintained through January, with Darren Moore looking to add depth to his midfield ranks.

And Robertson was only too happy to make the move over the border for the rest of the season.

“I think the manager here likes to play a bit more to my strengths, more total football as you would call it,” he said.

“I think it’s something I’ll fit quite well into.

“The gaffer has been excellent with me. I had a couple of chats with him in the summer and I was really impressed then.”

Robertson made his Rovers debut off the bench in Saturday’s win over Oxford United, replacing the injured Taylor Richards in a more advanced role than he would typically play in.

It said plenty about the tenacity he will bring to the Rovers midfield that after the game he was unaware of a rather nasty scratch on his cheek courtesy of the stud of an Oxford midfielder.

He was simply delighted to get his Rovers career up and running and admits he would be happy to play in whatever position he is required.

“I’d like to think I was tidy on the ball,” he said.

“I could play a bit deeper but I’m happy to play anywhere the manager wants me to.

“I was playing in attacking midfield. Usually I play a bit deeper than that but I’ll do a job for the manager wherever he wants me.

“It’s showed some faith in me that he thinks he can play in that position.”

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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.