Why Ellery Balcombe missed Doncaster Rovers' defeat to Fleetwood Town

Brentford loanee Balcombe - who conceded an injury time penalty at Accrington Stanley in midweek - lost the number one shirt to Louis Jones for the clash and missed out entirely, with youngster Ben Bottomley named on the bench.

Andy Butler’s starting line-up contained five loanees - the maximum number permitted in a matchday squad which ensured Balcombe missed out.

“We just changed it up,” the Rovers boss said.

“Unfortunately due to the amount of loans we’ve got and starting with five loanees, we couldn’t have him on the bench.

“I’ve spoken to Ellery, he was informed.

“That is the case when you’ve got a lot of loan players and it was unfortunate for one that he misses out.

“If he wasn’t a loanee he would have been on the bench.

“It’s given Louis a chance, after Ellery has had his chance.

“Louis has got to now perform and keep his shirt.

“We’ll take each game as it comes.”

Brad Halliday once again missed out due to his back injury with Butler saying the full back continues to struggle with the issue.

“Still with Brad, it’s the same where we gave him every chance but he just keeps complaining with a stiff back after every training session,” he said.

“You look at it and the only thing you can do is give Brad time.”

Halliday has missed Rovers’ last six matches with the injury.

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