'We're feared in this league' - John Bostock says confidence should not have taken a hit despite Doncaster Rovers' bad week

Speaking after the 4-1 defeat at Sunderland, the midfielder says Rovers have proven their abilities throughout this season and believes a difficult week should not be a blow to their confidence.

“When we play our football I don't believe there's a team in this league who can match us but we have to play our football and match them on the other side,” he said. “We're well aware of that.

“Football is a confidence game but the confidence comes from all the work these boys have done way before I've come.

“I said in the dressing room afterwards they've earned the right to get to this place, they've been fantastic all season and we can't forget that.

“We're a team that's feared in our league.

“We just have to make sure we bring what we bring but also match teams in the other side of the game as well.

“We're not going to let heads drop because we've got a lot of quality, game-changers in the team and a lot of players who bring so much.

“We're confident, of course we are. Blips happen in seasons, it's only two games, but it hurts.

“We know there's a long way to go yet.”

Bostock impressed after coming off the bench at half time. His work from a deep lying midfield role helped Rovers enjoy their best periods of the game on the ball, despite being well behind.

The 29-year-old made his full debut in the midweek defeat at Fleetwood Town - his first start in 18 months - and he admits there is an element of learning on the job at his new club.

“There's no warm up for me,” he said.

“I got five minutes as a striker at Oxford and I was thrown in at the deep end against Fleetwood which was a tough game but one which got me acclimatised to the games I want to be playing.

“I'm like a sponge hearing what the gaffer and his assistant want from us and you have to adapt. I've been in situations where I've had to adapt quickly and this is no different.”

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