Doncaster Rovers midfielder Zain Westbrooke has admitted he made the move to Scunthorpe United because he “would much rather be on the pitch than sat in a stand.”
The 28-year-old joined the National League side last week on loan until January after finding first-team opportunities limited under manager Grant McCann this season.
Westbrooke Seeks Regular Football at Scunthorpe
Despite being named among the substitutes in all three of Rovers’ Carabao Cup ties, Westbrooke has yet to feature in League Two action during the current campaign. After making his Scunthorpe debut as a substitute in their midweek win at York City, he started Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Carlisle United.
Speaking to Scunthorpe’s media team, the midfielder said regular football was his main motivation.
“I was missing out on Saturdays and training all week with no game, and that’s what we do it for,” he explained. “I’d much rather be here and be on the pitch than sat in a stand.”
Westbrooke added that his first impressions of the National League were positive, insisting the standard was higher than many assume.
“I was sort of surprised as I didn’t know what to expect really with the first game. The standard was definitely similar to some of Donny’s games last year in League Two and even some that have been in League One. I don’t think the difference is that huge.”
Fighting for His Future
Westbrooke’s contract at the Eco-Power Stadium runs until the end of the current season, and the loan spell at Glanford Park could be a vital opportunity to showcase his ability ahead of a decisive few months. McCann has an abundance of midfield options following a busy summer, and the former Coventry City man was used sparingly during pre-season, including brief spells as an emergency full-back.
Now, after making the move across the Lincolnshire border, Westbrooke will look to regain rhythm and confidence with regular minutes under his belt. His challenge is to impress both Scunthorpe boss Jimmy Dean and his parent club before the January window opens.
Writer’s View
This feels like a sensible move for all parties. Doncaster have depth in central areas, while Westbrooke, at 28, needs consistent football to avoid stagnation. His comments underline a player determined to contribute rather than wait on the sidelines, and a successful spell at Scunthorpe could reignite his career in the EFL.
If he delivers the composure and technical quality that defined his time at Coventry and Bristol Rovers, he may yet force his way back into McCann’s plans by the new year.
