Rovers boss McCann reveals how Spurs gaffer lifted his spirits after sacking

for the first time. “The break in between Peterborough and Doncaster was key for me,” said McCann, who was in charge of Posh for 18 months.

“I went to see Dean and, as we were walking through the canteen, Mauricio saw us. Before Dean introduced me to him, he knew who I was, which was lovely.

“He spoke to me for about 10 to 15 minutes. He knew what had happened to me at Peterborough.

“He said he lost his job as a young manager, but that I would be back.

“He made me feel good that day, made me feel hungry to get back into the game.

“It was nice to have a conversation with him and he reassured me to stick to my beliefs.”

McCann, 38, is relishing meeting another coaching luminary in Palace boss Roy Hodgson, who began his managerial career at Swedish side Halmstad in 1976 – four years before the Donny boss was born.

“It would make Roy feel very, very old if I tell him that,” smiled the former Northern Ireland midfielder, who began his career under Harry Redknapp at West Ham before joining Cheltenham, Barnsley, Scunthorpe and Peterborough.

“To be in my office with him after the game, sharing a glass of wine with him or a beer, will be a privilege.”

McCann’s target is promotion to the Championship – Rovers are handily placed in sixth – and he feels the Palace game is a chance to test his side.

He has challenged his players, who have beaten Charlton and Preston in their cup run, to make history in front of a sellout 14,000 crowd at the Keepmoat Stadium.

“They could be talking about this Doncaster team forever and the time they got to the FA Cup quarter-finals,” added McCann.

“We will be on the front foot, our fans will expect that. If it’s good enough, great, and if not, we won’t have any regrets.

I want our players to embrace it.”