Latest on Crystal Palace loanee Jason Lokilo and why he has yet to feature in a matchday squad for Doncaster Rovers

Jason Lokilo needs to reach match fitness before being handed a place in Doncaster Rovers’ senior matchday squad, boss Darren Moore has revealed.
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The Crystal Palace loanee has yet to feature in a matchday 18 for Rovers since his deadline day switch from Selhurst Park.

But the 21-year-old has been working hard on his fitness and will get an outing for Rovers U23s against Mansfield Town at Cantley Park on Tuesday.

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Moore wants the Belgian winger to reach peak fitness in order to be available for the rest of the campaign, rather than rushing him into his plans.

New Doncaster Rovers signing Jason LokiloNew Doncaster Rovers signing Jason Lokilo
New Doncaster Rovers signing Jason Lokilo

“Jason has come here now and all we’re doing is giving him some volume,” Moore said.

“We’ll give him a game in our U23s to help get that volume up.

“Match fitness is a big thing and I just want Jason read when he is called upon for the team.

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“He’s really near now, really close to what I would want. Once he gets to those levels he’ll be ready for team selection.

“He’s really exciting. He’s got some wonderful attributes and what we’re just trying to do with him is get him to a position physically where he’s here for the long haul.

“He’s an explosive player, he’s a quick, dynamic player.

“We want to make sure that when he is ready to step into the first team, he can display those attributes over long periods of the game.”

Alex Baptiste will also feature for the U23s as he continues his comeback from his Achilles injury.