Doncaster Rovers U18s professional development coach Ryan Cresswell says his squad has shown plenty of positive signs on the training pitch following a demanding week of three games in six days.
After last Friday's match at Club Doncaster Elite Performance Centre against Grimsby, Cresswell was able to work extensively with his players on the training ground. "It's been difficult because of the games and the workload that we are putting on the players," he said. "We have had a good session this morning, and we've got another one lined up tomorrow."
Squad Rotation Pays Off
The U18s rotated their squad across the recent fixtures to give all players minutes while maintaining performance standards. "What we have done with the games recently is we have rotated the squad to get everyone minutes that needed them and at the same time we got some really good performances out of it," Cresswell explained.
Doncaster face another tough test on Saturday, with Chesterfield providing what Cresswell described as "another tough game." He has already analysed their opponents, noting they are a hard-working side.
First-Team Pathway
Winger Ashton Swales earned recognition for his impressive U18s displays by being named on the bench for Doncaster Rovers' first team in Tuesday evening's Carabao Cup tie with Middlesbrough.
Cresswell welcomed the opportunity the move represents for the academy. "It's brilliant. It's great for Ashton and for the whole academy to see that there is a pathway into the first team," he said. "Ashton needs to continue working hard and putting himself on display for the first-team manager and staff while continuing to conduct himself in the way he has done in recent weeks. Hopefully if he keeps pushing his chance might come, and it's great for everyone to see that the step is there."
