Why James Coppinger should have no concerns over game time according to Doncaster Rovers boss

Coppinger played in only two of what proved to be Rovers’ final seven matches of the 2019/20 season before the campaign was cut short by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 39-year-old stated he was not concerned by that fact when he signed his new one-year contract with the club last week.

And Moore says he should not be - as he expects Coppinger to play a major role for the club again.

“Our season got cut short by ten games so it’s unfair [to suggest the lack of game time was significant],” Moore told the Free Press.

“And the games were coming thick and fast.

“There’s no doubt that the likes of Copps would have been instrumental for the run-in and getting us ready.

“It’s a bit false because we didn’t get the opportunity to finish off the season, which I would have loved to for the whole group and the dynamic of the club.

“It’s a hard one to call because of the parameters that were set.

“I’m sure his stats in terms of goals and assists would have improved and they were already very good.

“When I look back now, when it got called off before the Wimbledon game he would have been starting that game at home.

“You look at things like that, he was very much going to be involved in the Wimbledon game and the Portsmouth game after it.

“He has a big, big role to play for us.”

Moore’s mantra is all about searching for improvement and he reiterated that will apply to veteran Coppinger too.

“Even though he’s on board it’s about trying to improve him again for next season,” he said.

“Last term he scored five goals and was one of the leading assist makers in the division.

“It shows his appetite for the game and how he loves it.

“He’s been one in this pandemic that’s been desperate to get back in and play football.

“I think it’s a great one for us that he feels sharp and energised for the new season.”

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