Midfielder ready to 'give absolutely everything' as Doncaster Rovers aim to end 18-year Wembley wait

The midfielder is one of many within the squad who haven't played at the national stadium. He's been a handful of times before, chiefly as a supporter of his hometown club Grimsby whilst on the books as a youngster, but to play on the hallowed turf is something he's hoping to tick off his list sooner rather than later.

Tonight offers the 27-year-old and his colleagues the chance to book their spot in the EFL Trophy final when they welcome Stockport County to the Eco-Power Stadium (8pm) in the semi-final. A win would mean only a second visit to the 'new' Wembley for Rovers, and a first trip there since the famous League One play-off final victory over Leeds back in 2008.

"I've never played at Wembley," Clifton told the Free Press ahead of tonight's encounter. "I'm pretty sure it's the same for a lot of the lads in there. So, yes, it's a massive game for us and we'll do whatever we can and give absolutely everything to get through to the final.

"You want to make marks in the club and being a player. We've got an opportunity on Tuesday night now. It's a competition we've obviously taken seriously and we've won a lot of games to get this far. I think we've played really well and scored some really good goals and there's been some good games. So we've come this far, why not go for it now?"

Rovers have reached the final of this competition just once before, back in 2007 when they beat Bristol Rovers at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. Tuesday's game, as with all ties up to this point, will go straight to penalties if level after 90 minutes. The winners will face Luton or Northampton in the showpiece final on Sunday, April 12.

Assistant Cliff Byrne said ahead of the clash with the Hatters: "We'll be picking a team that the manager best sees fit to go and win the game. There's been opportunities for players right throughout this competition and I'm sure it'll be no different Tuesday."