Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann has stated that it is unlikely that the club will bring in another goalkeeper this January.
First-choice goalkeeper Ian Lawlor is expected to miss the remainder of the season after suffering an injury in late-December which would lead to him having to undergo a hip operation.
It is a position in which fans are questioning the need to address given the number of goals conceded by Rovers this season however it is looking unlikely that a new face will be between the sticks this year.
Having lost 5-1 to league-leaders Stockport County on Saturday, more questions have obviously risen about the capabilities of second-string keeper Louis Jones.
Jones has in fact played more minutes than Lawlor this season due to the latter’s injury problems, yet some fans still aren’t convinced that he could be the club’s future number one.
If Doncaster did want a switch-up in the goalkeeping department, then they do still have time, with the transfer window shutting on Thursday, however they would have to act rather quickly.
Then again bringing in a new name could be the difference between survival and relegation this season given that they sit in 22nd currently. Although Rovers do have a seven point gap to the relegation places, they’ll be nervily looking over their shoulder with 23rd-placed Sutton United picking up their form in recent weeks.
Speaking to the Doncaster Free Press, McCann gave an update on Lawlor’s injury, as well as playing down any goalkeeping transfer rumours.
“I don’t think we’ll see him (Ian Lawlor) again until next season. He’s had an operation on his hip. Maybe if we’re lucky we’ll get him back (before the end of season).”
“Louis Jones is a really good young goalkeeper. What I don’t want to do is stop his development. It’s important that he continues to play and do well.
“I think he’s been really good this season. I know goalkeepers always get looked at (after a big loss) but we’re a team so we score together and we concede together.”
Writer’s View
As McCann said, goalkeepers always get looked at after a big loss and it would potentially be a bit harsh if Jones was to be replaced at this point in the season. The blame of Saturday’s defeat can be put just as much on the defence, who allowed a rampant Stockport attack to breeze past them as Jones in goal.
You wouldn’t expect a club the size of Doncaster to be this close to the relegation zone and they’re in serious trouble if Sutton pick up a couple of wins in the coming weeks.
Although he is still expected to turn things around, McCann may begin to feel that his seat is getting a bit warmer with each loss.
Senior Editor
