Doncaster Rovers

Doncaster Rovers' Dean Saunders hails Billy Sharp's performance

By Danielle Joynson, Staff ReporterPublished: 02 November 2011 10:44 AM

Doncaster Rovers boss Dean Saunders admits that he is "really proud" of Billy Sharp's decision to play against Middlesbrough despite a family bereavement.

Doncaster Rovers boss Dean Saunders has paid tribute to Billy Sharp for playing and scoring for the club after the recent death of his baby son.

The striker was originally considered unlikely to feature for the Championship side following the tragic death of his two-day-old son Louie Jacob Sharp.

Despite his bereavement, the 25-year-old played for the Rovers and scored in the side's 3-1 defeat to Middlesbrough at the Keepmoat Stadium.

"I knew what was going on all week and I also know the finer details of what happened, which is worse than you think," said Saunders.

"He rung me last night and asked me if he could play - he wanted to play. He wanted to play to score a goal for his son and his family and he was ready to go. When he said that to me I couldn't really refuse.

"I'm really proud that he wanted to play and it tells you a bit about him as a man. There's not many people who would have done that."

Doncaster currently sit at the bottom of the Championship table on nine points.