Doncaster Rovers v Port Vale: Thorsten Stuckmann hoping Rovers can prove point against Vale
The big German was part of a Rovers’ line-up who were meekly turned over 3-0 at this evening’s visitors Port Vale in late August and admits it was a long afternoon for all.
Rovers have travelled a fair way since that wretched performance in the Potteries in the dying embers of Paul Dickov’s reign, with Stuckmann eager that their improvement is displayed this evening.
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Hide AdStuckmann, 34, who took limited satisfaction from his outstanding display against Vale, which prevented a far higher margin of defeat – particularly during a truly one-sided first half – said: “Team-wise, it was one of our worst performances of the season and we have to prove a point.
“Personally, the first half was probably the best half of football that I have played in my whole career.
“But when you lose 3-0, you can’t smile.”
“Obviously, we need to win this game. We know what they are good at and what we have to do to get the three points.”
New defensive midfield loan signing Eddy Lecygne could make his debut after joining for an initial 28 days from Premier League Stoke City.
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Hide AdLecygne, 22, has been capped by France at Under-19 level and is highly-rated by staff at the Britannia Stadium.
Boss Darren Ferguson says his arrival, along with the signing late last week of young Sunderland striker Lynden Gooch, is likely to be the end of Rovers’ window business this month
On Lecygne, Ferguson – also boosted by the availability of Conor Grant after recovering from a dead leg – said: “He’s a really good young midfield player with a good range of passing.
“At the moment in that ‘sitting’ position, we’ve only really got Keegs (Paul Keegan) who can also play that role.
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Hide Ad“He is a sitter who tries to get control of the game and is good technically.”
Last six games: Doncaster LWWLDD; Port Vale LLWWLD.
Referee: G Eltringham (Tyne & Wear).
Last time: Doncaster 1 Port Vale 3; August 16, 2014.