Doncaster Rovers: Crawford to inject much-needed energy

New signing Ali Crawford will deliver a much-needed injection of energy into Doncaster Rovers according to boss Grant McCann.
Ali CrawfordAli Crawford
Ali Crawford

Crawford joined Rovers on a two-year deal earlier this month after leaving Scottish Premiership side Hamilton Academical.

The attack-minded midfielder is set to make his first appearance in front of Rovers supporters on Tuesday night in the friendly at Grimsby Town.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And McCann believes fans will be impressed with his attacking intent.

“Looking at the squad over the last few weeks we needed that injection of energy, someone who can carry the ball, give and go, get shots away from the edge of the box,” McCann said.

“His record in Scotland speaks for itself really.

“In a struggling Hamilton team, to score the amount of goals he did was excellent really.

“We’re pleased to have him.”

The 26-year-old scored 39 goals in 271 appearances for Hamilton before making the move south.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Crawford missed much of last season with a knee injury and McCann felt he was rushed back, such was his importance to the team.

But the Rovers boss insists Crawford is up to full fitness and will not need easing into life in Doncaster.

“He’s 100 per cent now,” McCann said.

“He’d played 45 minutes for Hearts in a pre-season friendly and then he got 60 minutes for us against Leeds.

“He’s looking sharp, he’s looking better every day the more he does, the more you see the intensity has risen over the last week in training.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’ve started looking at the group and thinking they’re getting what we’re saying. they’re understanding what we’re saying.

“With Ali, it’s like he’s been here for years really.

“The lads have taken to him, probably because of his endeavour and ability.

“He was excellent against Leeds.”

Also set for his first public appearance for Rovers on Tuesday is another new signing, loanee Mallik Wilks.

McCann is set to field those players who did not feature in Friday’s friendly against Birmingham City, including John Marquis and Andy Butler.