The Doncaster Rovers manager applauds the ‘world class’ save and expresses hope that the goalkeeper’s fortune is turning.
Grant McCann wishes Louis Jones luck at Doncaster Rovers after a string of misfortunes.
Goalkeeper Jones only made five appearances due to illness and injury last season, and a broken thumb prevented him from making an impression in preseason.
However, he won the game’s most valuable player award on his first appearance of the 2023–24 season against Forest Green on Saturday, taking Ian Lawlor’s place in the starting XI due to injury.
This summer, McCann extended a two-year contract to Jones, who is now 24. McCann told The Free Press: “He spoke to me a couple of weeks ago because he thought he might have had an opportunity to play in the Everton game.
“You are training well, just wait for that opportunity, I told him. Unfortunately, Lawsy’s injury was the catalyst for it.
We don’t anticipate Lawsy to be out for too long, but Louis’ performance convinced me that I had two very capable goalkeepers in Ben Bottomley and another fantastic young goalkeeper in Louis.
Lawlor had to leave a training session on Friday due to a groin injury, giving Jones a chance to shine as a last-minute replacement.
The goalkeeper “absolutely” seized the opportunity to make a positive first impression, according to McCann, who also noted that the player was fearless and kept approaching crosses and corners.
“That last-second save was world-class.”
Jones’ spot in the starting lineup for tomorrow’s EFL Trophy match against Everton Under-21s may not change.
