Doncaster Rovers' younger players are being tested hard during pre-season fixtures in Dublin, according to head of medical Dave Rennie. The squad has already played one of three planned matches in Ireland, winning 4-2 against St Patrick's Athletic.
Manager Grant McCann has taken his key players and all seven summer signings to Dublin, while also offering academy prospects a chance to step up to senior level. Among those getting opportunities is Leon Ayinde, who joined from Ipswich Town U21s after making 27 appearances for Rochdale in the National League last season, including loan spells at Boreham Wood.
Transition Praised by Medical Staff
Rennie highlighted how the younger players have coped with the significant step from youth football to senior competition. "It's a really big shift coming from younger age football into the senior game," he said.
While the move to first-team football has been demanding for academy players, Rennie noted that careful management of their workload has helped them develop relationships with the coaching staff and stay injury-free during the demanding pre-season period.