Battered and bruised Paul Quinn has emerged from a challenging season as a better player, Paul Dickov has enthused.
The 28-year-old Scot had to play second fiddle to loanee Reece Wabara for the first half of the campaign.
But Quinn’s versatility has been valuable to Dickov during Doncaster’s defensive crisis and, following his superb display against Nottingham Forest, Rovers’ boss this week paid tribute to the former Motherwell and Cardiff man’s contribution.
“He’s had a bit of an illness and a bit of an injury [this season] but he’s come back better,” said Dickov.
“The last few games he has played at centre half he has been outstanding.
“[At Forest] he was a leader and he was organising around us.
“He had his Terry Butcher bandage on after a kick in the head and stud marks down his arm - that’s what you want from your players. You want them to go that extra mile.
“Quinny led by example last weekend and he’s been fantastic for us this season.
“He’s been in and out of the team but when he’s played he has done really well.”
Quinn will continue to cover for fractured cheekbone victim Gabriel Tamas in the heart of Doncaster’s defence tomorrow.
Dickov is continuing to scour the loan market for defensive cover ahead of next Thursday’s deadline but does not expect to add to the squad before this weekend’s game.
Meanwhile, Jordan Bowery has returned to Aston Villa after his loan spell at Rovers expired.
Dickov has informed the former Chesterfield striker that securing a defender is his priority over the coming week.