MASON: REAL TO DONNY IS REAL TREAT...
ON-LOAN defender Niall Mason has thanked Darren Ferguson for the invaluable experience in his first season in senior football with Doncaster Rovers.
The 20-year-old is spending the current campaign on loan from Aston Villa and had made 39 appearances for Ferguson’s promotion-winners before the weekend.
Mason has come a long way since his days with the Real Madrid academy. He was signed by the Spanish giants, aged seven, and played alongside Zinedine Zidane’s sons, Enzo and Luca. He has relished every moment since making his senior bow at Accrington in August.
“It’s been brilliant for me personally. I’ve learnt a lot this year and had a good season, which is my first in professional football,” said Mason.
“The manager has been fantastic with me. I’ve got a lot to thank him for as he’s given me a chance to play and he’s great to learn from.
“When a manager puts faith in you, it’s important to repay that. I’ve given 100 per cent this season to ensure I don’t let anybody down.”
With promotion secured two weeks ago ater a 1-0 victory over Mansfield Town, Ferguson’s men are currently battling it out with Plymouth and Portsmouth for the League Two title.
An immediate return to League One was the primary goal for Rovers this term, but Mason also wants to see his team beat their rivals to top spot.
“Something we’ve been good at all season is just focusing on the next game,” said the young defender. “When you start looking too far in advance that’s when things can start to go wrong.
“It’s been a really good season. We’re happy with promotion, but we’re all still striving to finish the job off in style and win the league title.”