Stags’ boss Steve Evans has said that match-winner Danny Rose deserves all of the credit after seeing the frontman score his third goal in as many games in tonight’s victory over Carlisle United.
The 22-year-old climbed off the bench to score his second match-winning goal in his last three games to send Stags in to the third round of the Checkatrade Trophy after Evans’ men had earlier let a two-goal lead slip after leading 2-0 at half-time.
Rose had drifted out on to the left wing and was found by a wonderful lofted pass by midfielder Kevan Hurst. He brought the ball down, cut inside and hammered a shot in to the top corner from 25 yards out to send Stags in to the last 16 of the competition.
And speaking post-match, new Stags’ boss Evans has praised Rose’s hard work since the former Leeds United manager joined the club as he looks to force his way in to the starting XI by improving his match fitness.
“I thought we got our substitutes right, especially young Danny Rose who gets three off the bench in three games. [It was] an absolutely fantastic strike, worthy of winning the competition itself,” the manager said.
“He’s a wonderful player, we never doubted that. He’s a real natural talent, but you don’t get fit by playing football – you get fit to play football, and I mean match fit.
“Danny’s fit – he takes his shirt off and he’s got the body of a competition, but a body of a competition doesn’t make you match fit. It’s the sharpness, the little one-twos, and the touch and the strikes and to be fair to the kid, there’s nobody else taking the credit bar him.”
After seeing Rose’s hard work on the training ground and in the substitute appearances he’s made since the Stags’ chief joined the club, the manager has reiterated the need for his squad to prove to him why they should be in the team.
“He’s had his head down, we’ve not picked him for weeks when he’s come on and been effective and got a goal and we’ve still not picked him.
“He’s not even spoken to me [about not being in the team] but I’ve just said to him in front of the group in there (the dressing room), a lot of people try and make a point and some people prove a point and we want players who want to prove a point and Danny Rose is trying his best to be in the team.
“We’re here to improve them (the players), we’re here to make sure that if they’re not in the team then they’re ready to be in the team and you can’t be in the team if you’re not playing any minutes in a week.
“You hear the best managers in the world talk about being match fit and we’ve got several who are not match fit, but it’s my job to make sure and Paul’s (Raynor) job to make sure [they become match fit].
“I said to the whole group yesterday and today after the game, it’s my job to make sure they’re getting game minutes, if it’s not on the first team pitch, they’re getting games elsewhere.”
The manager’s final words were for the supporters, of both the Stags and Carlisle United, who turned out for this evening’s cup tie.
“It’s not just the Mansfield Town fans who should be applauded tonight, but the Carlisle United fans as well.
“I don’t think there’s anyone who’s left the stadium tonight and not think they’ve had value for money. I’ve always said to the players, make sure that our chairman and our supporters get value for money and the people that’s made the long trip up from Mansfield today, thank you for the support, it never goes unnoticed with me, whatever club I manage.”
Supporters can watch Steve Evans’ post-match interview on Stags PlayerHD.
