Doncaster Rovers are still at a crossroads as to their fate this season, with their hope of survival and facing the agony of relegation finely balanced.
However, recent results have seen Grant McCann’s side take big strides forward in securing their status in League One next season, and have overcome one of their greatest challenges yet by beating Rotherham United for the first time in 41 years.
Byrne Leads Rovers Revival
One of the standout performers in their resurgence which has seen three wins in their past five has been centre-back Neill Byrne, who has rightly earned plaudits across his first five appearances in a Rovers shirt.
Joining on loan for the rest of the season from Bradford City, the Irish centre-back has made an immediate impact, with four wins and two clean sheets so far since heading to the Eco-Power Stadium.
It was the game against Huddersfield Town which has best characterised the effect Byrne has had for Doncaster, with his efforts, including 11 clearances and five recoveries, playing a large part in claiming a win over their Yorkshire rivals.
That performance earned him his flowers from manager Grant McCann, who said following that match to the Yorkshire Post:
“He does what it says on the tin. He knows how to defend. He puts his head in places where others won’t. Him and Jay (McGrath) are forming a good relationship at this moment in time.”
Permanent Move Should Be Considered
Neill Byrne is out of contract in the summer, and with Bradford City likely to retain their current crop of defenders or bring in some new improvements, the 33-year-old is likely to have already played his final game in claret and amber.
While his age is likely a risky move, the stability he has brought to Doncaster Rovers at a time when they have had plenty of defensive issues and woes cannot be overlooked.
Coming in as a free agent will be a great deal for McCann to make, and even if he is likely to become a depth option rather than a regular starter, it is a no-brainer move with squad rotation likely to be heavy across the campaign.
Even if Rovers were to fall into League Two, Byrne’s efforts for Bradford during his time should be enough to convince that the veteran defender can hold his own and more in the Doncaster squad.
