Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann has moved to clarify the club’s position on Zain Westbrooke, while offering glowing praise for Leeds United loanee Charlie Crew following his return to form.
Westbrooke, 28, has been largely on the fringes at Rovers this season, making only six appearances, with just two brief substitute outings since September. Despite penning a fresh two-year contract in March 2024, the midfielder has struggled to break into McCann’s matchday squads amidst fierce competition for places.
Speaking this week, McCann explained that Westbrooke’s limited involvement stems from the wealth of options available in midfield, rather than any injury concerns or disciplinary issues.
Competition for Places Leaves Westbrooke Waiting
Westbrooke’s lack of game time has puzzled some sections of the fanbase, particularly given his experience. However, McCann stressed the decision to omit him is purely tactical, pointing to the strong depth within his squad.
“We pick a team that we think is going to be suited for the next game,” McCann said. “That doesn’t mean we don’t think highly of Zain – we do.
“We like Zain. But we’ve also got another seven or eight midfield players and every game is difficult because we’ll play with two or three, then there’ll be one or two on the bench and then a couple miss out. So it’s just the strength of the group that we have.”
McCann faces a balancing act with his midfield selection as Rovers prepare for a busy Easter weekend, beginning with a trip to Tranmere Rovers on Good Friday. With games coming thick and fast, further squad rotation is likely as the club targets a push into the League Two automatic promotion places.
Meanwhile, Charlie Crew has earned fresh praise from McCann after overcoming a dip in form upon returning from Wales under-19 international duty. The 18-year-old initially found himself out of the matchday squad for four consecutive fixtures but has worked his way back into contention through hard work on the training ground.
Crew made a late cameo appearance during the midweek draw at Salford City, impressing with his energy and quality during a brief spell on the pitch. McCann highlighted the youngster’s dedication and predicted a strong end to the season for the Leeds loanee.
As Doncaster aim to maintain their promotion charge, the competition for places in midfield looks set to intensify further, with players like Crew pushing for regular minutes and experienced names like Westbrooke fighting to regain their place.
Site opinion
Grant McCann’s handling of both Zain Westbrooke and Charlie Crew shows a pragmatic approach to squad management at Doncaster Rovers. While Westbrooke’s situation is unfortunate, it reflects the healthy depth McCann has built — a vital asset in the tense run-in for promotion. Crew’s resurgence is an added bonus, giving Rovers another energetic option at a crucial point of the campaign. With selection headaches now becoming a weekly occurrence, McCann is well-placed to keep the squad competitive and motivated in the final stretch.
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