Owen Bailey brings up a terrific landmark this weekend - one that you suspect may not be repeated in a hurry.

Saturday's trip to Wigan Athletic will see the Doncaster Rovers skipper run out for the 100th consecutive league game. Since arriving in the summer of 2023 the former Newcastle United man has started every single league outing (plus the two play-off games to boot, in 2023-24). It is a remarkable achievement and it just so happens that it comes on the back of Bailey being named the League One player of the month for August today.

It was richly-deserved too, with the midfielder posting not only some stand-out performances in the engine room and in defence but also chipping in with four goals as Grant McCann's side made an excellent start to the campaign.

"His overall performances have been outstanding really and to be available for that amount of games is incredible in itself," McCann said of Bailey, when asked by the Free Press.

"But also to not just play all 99 games but to post a seven, eight, nine out of ten - it's just a testament to the lad himself really.

"I don't think he'd ever envisage when he came in that he'd play every single league game since that time. He's just gone from strength to strength. He's adapted and when he came in he wasn't as lean and fit as he is now. He's in an unbelievable position now, with the shape he's got himself in and it's taken him to another level."

Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman, who was part of the judging panel for the awards, said: “Doncaster couldn’t have made a better start to life in League One and they owe a lot of that to their captain. Playing multiple positions for his team in August, Bailey showed leadership, discipline and even chipped in with a few important goals.”

Bailey pipped Stevenage striker Jamie Reid, AFC Wimbledon forward Matty Stevens and Cardiff goalkeeper Nathan Trott to the August gong, saying: "I’m delighted to have won this award. As someone who often does the unseen work, to win an individual award is something I’m very proud of. My team mates and staff have been first class and have massively contributed to this award."

McCann was nominated for the manager of the month award but narrowly lost out to Cardiff chief Brian Barry-Murphy.