Hayter taking nothing for granted

Manager Sean O’Driscoll is keeping the teamsheet close to his chest as usual but it would be a major disappointment for Donny fans if the 200,000 striker does not appear in the starting line-up against the Lions, who are also among the favourites for promotion to the Championship.

Hayter, the record signing during the close-season from O’Driscoll’s old team, Bournemouth, is ready for the long-awaited big kick-off and hopes to be an ever-present at the Keepmoat Stadium.

He has already knocked in two goals during the warm-up friendlies and is settling into his new home in Doncaster.

He said: “Pre-season has gone well, I’ve got a couple of goals and I’m raring to go.

“Obviously I’d rather be starting the first game than sitting on the bench but I don’t know who’s in the team yet,” said the man who has been handed the No 12 squad number. “I don’t think you can gauge too much from pre-season friendlies because we use them to build up fitness.”

Hayter says he does not feel any extra pressure because he is the club’s biggest signing and does not believe in setting targets for the number of goals to aim for this season.

“I just hope to score a good few goals and be sure I get on the scoresheet.

“We have a good team here and I’ve already settled in. I knew some of the lads from Bournemouth and the rest of the squad looks good.”

Defender James O’Connor and midfielder Brian Stock both signed for Rovers before he moved from the South Coast.

Hayter is looking forward to playing at the Keepmoat and smiles ruefully at memories of playing at the dilapidated Belle Vue ground when he was in Bournemouth colours.

“There’s always some grounds you don’t like playing at but the Keepmoat’s a great new stadium and I am looking forward to playing league games.

“I’m hopeful we’ll be going up at the end of the season and that I can do the business.”