Doncaster Rovers: Darren Ferguson drops biggest hint yet on the future of James Coppinger

Coppinger, 37, who is coming to the end of his 14th season at Rovers, is out of contract this summer.

Ferguson was asked by BBC Radio Sheffield how he plans to strengthen the squad to ensure that Rovers push on - and providing more competition for Coppinger was part of the Scot’s response.

“We need to make sure we’ve got really good competition; two bodies for each place,” said Ferguson.

“Try not to be playing players perhaps where they shouldn’t be playing and try and find a formula for the left back position, which we’ve had a problem with for the last two seasons, in terms of only ever having one.

“Danny Andrew’s injury was probably the most pivotal one we’ve had. We know he’s going to be fit for next season.

“But certainly we want to strengthen the squad in different areas.

“[We want] a bit more competition for James [Coppinger] in that position, definitely.

“Obviously the ones that are out of contract I’ve got to make a decision on them. There’s four or five of those. They are the key decisions.”

Coppinger, Mathieu Baudry. Andy Williams, Craig Alcock and Cedric Evina are out of contract this summer.