Identity of Doncaster Rovers’ mystery bench man revealed to be under-contract Championship star
Doncaster Rovers fans have been playing a game of ‘Guess Who?’ after the appearance of a mystery man behind the dugout for Saturday’s game with Peterborough United.
A few eagle-eyed supporters on social media spotted an unfamiliar face behind the Rovers substitutes and coaching staff, sporting a red Rovers tracksuit whilst sat next to injured player Toyosi Olusanya. It’s now emerged that the player in question is Northern Irish midfielder Darren Robinson. The 20-year-old is contracted to Championship side Derby County but it’s understood he is training with Rovers although details remain sketchy at this stage.
It’s unclear whether the arrangement is with a view to a potential move or just to keep Johnson ticking over. He spent a portion of this season on loan at League of Ireland side St Patrick’s Athletic, making 11 appearances before their campaign concluded in early November.
Speaking about that temporary move in the summer, Robinson said: “I left home at 16 from Dungannon Swifts to join Derby, so I’m in my fifth season now, I need to get some senior games now and feel this is a great opportunity for me in the League of Ireland with St Pat’s.”
Robinson has made four senior appearances for the Rams, where he is under contract until next summer. He was awarded the Scholar of the Year accolade during both of his first two seasons with Derby and featured regularly for their under-21s in Premier League 2. He has also spent time on loan at Hartlepool United and featured in Northern Ireland's most recent under-21s squad alongside Bayley McCann - the son of Rovers chief Grant.
Rovers' win over Posh was their first in 11 league games and McCann's side are now turning attentions to the cup competitions with a double-header against Chesterfield on the horizon. They host the Spireites on Tuesday in the EFL Trophy before an away tie against the same opponents four days later in the FA Cup.