Jacob Ramsey on his 'decent' debut and joining Doncaster Rovers on loan from Aston Villa

Jacob Ramsey knew exactly where he wanted to go on loan once given the green light by Aston Villa to gain his first real experience of senior football.
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A small amount of research after an expression of interest from Doncaster Rovers was enough to convince him a move to the Keepmoat would be right for him.

And after netting a brace on his debut against Tranmere Rovers - his first ever senior start to boot - he is certainly confident that he made the right decision.

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"It was only late January when the gaffer at Villa said I could go out," the 18-year-old said after his two goal haul.

Jacob Ramsey celebrates his second goal for Doncaster Rovers at Tranmere. Picture: Greg Dunbavand/AHPixJacob Ramsey celebrates his second goal for Doncaster Rovers at Tranmere. Picture: Greg Dunbavand/AHPix
Jacob Ramsey celebrates his second goal for Doncaster Rovers at Tranmere. Picture: Greg Dunbavand/AHPix

"I took the opportunity. I said Doncaster are interested, can I go there? And he said yes. I took it.

"It was a 50-50 decision really.

"Mark Harrison, the academy manager at Villa, knows Darren Moore really well.

"They've been speaking. I'm guessing Mark put in a good word about me and the gaffer said yes."

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The highly-rated midfielder did his homework on Rovers and liked what he saw.

And he is confident his first loan spell will have a play-off campaign at the end of it.

"Before coming I looked at the table," he said. "I saw there was a couple of games in hand.

"You're always thinking you'd like a crack at play-offs, Wembley, so I'm looking to do that here.

"I liked the way that we play.

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"They're still playing out from the back in the conditions at Tranmere.

"I just thought this is for me - playing through the middle of the park, getting the ball, turning and getting some goals."

After joining Rovers on deadline day, Ramsey's debut would come four days later.

And he only found out mere hours before the clash with Tranmere that he would be starting - meaning family and friends missed the occasion.

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"We trained yesterday and did a bit on shape but the gaffer didn't really give a lot away about who was starting," Ramsey said.

"We got to the hotel this morning and I found out there.

"I was buzzing.

"I initially felt nervous but once you get a touch on the pitch, it all goes away.

"It was excitement really."

As debuts go, it could hardly have gone better for the midfielder as he struck twice in a rout for Rovers.

"It was pretty amazing to be fair," he said.

"I should have got a hat trick but they were two decent goals.

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"From the result on Saturday we were looking to bounce back and I think that was the perfect result.

"I'm happy.

"Finding out that I was starting, I always believed I'd score but to actually do it, was decent.

"It's a great feeling."