Mixed emotions over behind-closed-doors debut for Doncaster Rovers keeper Louis Jones

The Covid-19 pandemic and its continuing ramifications will mean Jones’ senior bow will be a much more low key affair than it might have been, with supporters not yet permitted to enter the Keepmoat.

Though disappointed his debut will not take place in front of a crowd, there are certain individuals who the 21-year-old will miss in the stands more than others - those who have shared his long journey through the ranks.

“I think it’s more of a shame for my family because my mum and dad have spent 15 years or so driving me up and down, everywhere,” Jones told the Free Press.

“I’ve been on the bench all this time and they’ve been following me and nothing has happened yet.

“My mum has kept saying to me ‘can you just ask the gaffer if I can come and watch.’ I’ve had to say it’s not how it works.

“More for them, I’d have loved for them to be able to come and watch but they’ll still be able to see it.

“It’s not the same though.”

A senior debut has been a long time coming for the keeper, who was named among the substitutes even before signing his first professional contract three years ago. He also holds the status of being the third longest serving senior player in the current squad.

And he feels his recent experience of U23s football will stand him in good stead for the unique atmosphere of an empty Keepmoat.

“For us young lads, it’s not really different from any other game that we’ve played in over the last two or three years because there’s no fans,” he said.

“For young lads that have not played in a full Keepmoat before, it’s a lot more normal and I think it will help us out.

“But I’m at an age and a level now where I’m a lot more confident in myself to play whether it would be a full stadium or an empty stadium.”

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