Doncaster Rovers: From ringing ears to a ringing endorsement for Marko Marosi

But his body was not aching from battles with the opposition.

Rather, the goalkeeper’s ears were ringing with the sound of Darren Ferguson’s voice.

Marosi’s distribution and decision-making was put under severe scrutiny by his manager, and it was clear by regular shouts from the technical area that he was not meeting Ferguson’s standards.

Being fair to the Slovakian, it was only his fifth start in two years for Rovers.

The fact that he has only sat out two of the proceeding 11 games – and both in the Checkatrade Trophy – demonstrates the extent to which Marosi has begun to live up to the demands of his manager.

Not that he thinks he is anywhere close just yet.

“There’s a lot to improve – and I mean a lot,” Marosi said.

“It can all be improved.

“I’m confident with the distribution it’s just decision making at times, whether to make that pass or not.

“I think I’ve improved a lot, deciding for myself whether I do give the player the ball or not.

“I can see more or less everything from where I’m standing.

“I do think I’ve improved a lot but there’s a lot more improve.”

Marosi’s contribution is a key element of fulfilling Ferguson’s desire to play football at a high tempo.

The Rovers boss wants his goalkeepers to play the ball quickly when they come into possession.

Marosi says the ideal is a short pass out of his area but insists Rovers are not afraid of using a long ball forward.

He said: “We do like to play. But then again if it is not on, we’ll go long.

“We have the players up front that can win headers and win second balls.

“We work on it a lot in training.”

The former Wigan keeper signed a new contract in the summer and said he would not have remained at the Keepmoat if he did not expect to play.

But the arrival of Ross Etheridge suggested he would be remaining in the number two role, particularly when he was sat on the bench at the start of the season.

A wobbly start to the season from Etheridge opened the door for Marosi, and he has not looked back.

He said: “I’m just happy to be playing.

“Hopefully I can play a lot more games and help the team.

“Patience is massive. It’s the most important thing.

“This is my third season. I just said to myself be patient. Even when it’s not looking good, keep working hard and it’ll come. And it did. I’m jut enjoying it so much,

“I’m grateful for the gaffer for having faith in me.”