Why Gary McSheffrey is the ideal role model for Doncaster Rovers' development group

McSheffrey stepped up to lead the U23s age group at the start of the season, after Moore added John Schofield to his senior coaching staff.

The former Rovers forward has enjoyed good success so far, and will guide his young side in Friday night’s clash with West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League Cup knockout stages.

Moore is full of praise for McSheffrey’s efforts so far, and says the fact he still possesses the same ability he did in his playing career means he is the perfect tutor for Rovers’ promising young talent.

“It’s wonderful for the kids to have someone who can still demonstrate on the pitch,” Moore said. “He’s still got his quality. Sometimes I look at him and think how he’s not still playing is beyond me.

“He’s still got a lovely left foot and his mobility.

“It’s great for the kids to have someone of that ilk on the training ground because there’s no better way for them to see it. A picture paints a thousand words and that’s definitely the case with Gaz.”

Rovers lost just one game as they progressed from the group stages of the Premier League Cup, advancing at the expense of Aston Villa and Portsmouth to set up the trip to West Brom, which will be played at Hednesford Town.

“It’s been a really good competition,” said Moore, who formerly managed the Baggies’ development group himself.

“For us to get to this stage in it has been worthwhile. Gary has licked his lips in terms of the challenges and pitting his wits.

“We’ve gone away to some tough grounds and come away with results.

“In terms of his development, I think it’s been a valuable experience.

“He’ll want that to continue and we wish him well.

“We’ll have to be at our very best. It’s an arena the boys know already because they played Villa there and they’ve got to get ready for a tough opposition.”