Paul Dickov has been buoyed by the midfield partnership struck up between Rovers returnee Martin Woods and Richie Wellens.
The pair were used in a three-man midfield with Dean Furman in a bid to supply enough service for strikers Federico Macheda, Theo Robinson and Chris Brown in the 3-0 derby day defeat against Leeds United.
Despite feeling ‘baffled’ that Rovers had been denied an equaliser following a late flag for Robinson’s second half ‘goal’, Dickov was keen to hail the impact of Wellens and Woods’ partnership following the harsh defeat.
In particular the Rovers chief praised Scottish midfielder Woods who was starting his first game for Doncaster since his recent return.
“I thought he did well,” said Dickov.
“He got on the ball and him and Richie together have made us tick, they have made us pass it a little bit better than we did in the first half.
“The thing with Martin is he is getting back to full fitness, I am not just meaning physically, but injuries-wise as well.
“He keeps you ticking over with the way we want to play, we want to try and pass it.
“Him and Richie have got a good relationship when they are together and I thought that showed [against Leeds].”
Dickov could not hide his disappointment when speaking about Robinson’s 66th minute equaliser which was pulled back by the linesman for offside.
The Doncaster manager was adamant, after watching television replays, that Leeds full-back Lee Peltier played the Jamaican striker onside.
That goal would have seen Rovers cancel out Matt Smith’s 20th minute opener.
However, Doncaster fell foul to a double United counter-attack in which Ross McCormack and Rodolph Austin netted in the 3-0 derby victory at the Keepmoat.
“It would have been 1-1 and we were in the ascendancy,” fumed Dickov, whose side now gear up for a trip to in-form Derby County on Saturday.
“Leeds have had to change their personnel and their system to try and contain us.
“We felt strongly that we were going to get something out of the game.”