Darren Ferguson: '˜We've got to get up and running at home'

And boss Darren Ferguson would bite your hand off for just that against Southend United at the Keepmoat Stadium tomorrow.

The Scot certainly feels his side have deserved more than the nine points they have accumulated from 11 games.

But he accepts it is vitally important that Rovers kick-start their season against the Shrimpers by securing their first league win at home this season.

“I think the results have not matched the performances,” said Ferguson.

“I do feel that.

“But it is about results, we’re all fully aware of that.

“You’re fine if you take a poor performance and get a win.

“But you’re not so fine if you lose the game and get a good performance.

“We need to balance that off better.

“I’ve seen a lot of stuff from us that’s been good.

“I keep going back to the fine margins but it is about that.

“And when you go up a level, and let’s not forget we have come from a league below, you don’t get away with these things and you certainly don’t get as many opportunities as you did last season.”

Improvement in the final third has been at the top of the agenda at the club’s Cantley Park training ground this week.

Ferguson’s teams are typically renowned for their goals - but only five teams in League One have scored fewer than Rovers (11).

“We’ve spoken at length about where we feel need to improve,” said Ferguson.

“But sometimes to kick-start something you just need to get that win.

“Certainly at home on Saturday we’ve got to get it. We’ve got to get up and running at home.

“It’s a new month. We’ve won the first game of the month, although it was only the game on Tuesday [in the Checkatrade Trophy]. If we win on Saturday it makes things a little bit better.”

Goalkeeper Ian Lawlor is set to return to the side after recovering from an ankle problem.

Matty Blair will be assessed, while Andy Williams (thigh) definitely misses out.

Rodney Kongolo is away on international duty with Holland U20s.