IT'S taken three months and 20 games, but Jack Ross may finally be able to line up in his preferred position today.

Ross moved to Hartlepool United during the summer from Clyde as a midfielder.

To date, all his appearances - and there have only been eight because of a knee problem - have come at right back.

Skipper and regular No 2 Micky Barron has been out after a double hernia operation and the pair have yet to link up on the right flank.

That should change today when Doncaster arrive at Victoria Park and the real Jack Ross, fresh from a 78-minute outing at Carlisle on Tuesday, will finally be on show.

He admitted: "It's strange how these things work out at times. I've never been able to play with Micky on the right yet.

"First he was injured and I played, then vice-versa, and it changed around again in the last week.

"It's not nice on Micky, but it's a bonus from my point of view because it means I got back in the team when I was fit.

"But whatever happens, it's nice to get some bodies back and boost the strength of the squad.

"Getting bodies on the bench is a boost and we look stronger for it.''

Ross started on the bench in last Saturday's win over Port Vale, before replacing Barron when the skipper suffered a groin strain.

And the ex-Clyde skipper admitted: "We've had some young lads on the bench this season and I'm sure the gaffer and Martin (Scott) agree that it's nice to have some more experienced players available again.

"We've also made a couple of signings and having a strong bench gives everyone a little bit more confidence.

"Ben Clark has come in, he's a relaxed lad and has settled in straight away. He is keen to do well.

"I got the chance to watch him and Westy play together last Saturday before I got on so I could see how they worked before getting involved.

"Having him here is a massive bonus because he is a good player. We've kept two clean sheets this week and that will always give you confidence.''

Ross' time on the sidelines hasn't been a wasted one.

The economics graduate - a degree earned after being freed by Dundee - used it as part of the learning curve after crossing the border.

Ross used to pen a column for the BBC during his time in Glasgow, so watching games from the Press box was, perhaps, nothing new for the 27-year-old.

He admitted: "I've been out for a good few weeks and I think watching the games has helped me a wee bit.

"I said before that I felt I had done OK in my first few games for the club. It's not just a new club for me, but a whole new lifestyle, moving from Scotland.

"But I'm not a bad spectator. Obviously I would much rather play, but if I'm injured I can watch games OK.

"The games I did for the club website when I was helping with the commentary were good. I watched them from the press box, from a different height, and I saw the wider picture.

"From there I could see little things which perhaps I wouldn't have before. From that you can learn little bits and pieces yourself.''

And Ross admitted: "The defensive part of my game probably needs a little bit of work.

"I still have the odd lapse of concentration when I'm watching what is going on at the other end of the park.

"That might take some time because I'm used to playing further forward, but it will come.''

Rovers are likely to field former Pool loanee James Coppinger today.

He had two spells at Victoria Park under Chris Turner but has been suffering from a run of niggling injuries this season and has started only nine League One games.

He had two loan spells at Victoria Park during his time at Newcastle in March 2000 and then in Febraury 2002.

The ex-Darlington trainee admitted: "A lot of players are still there that I know, like Tinkler and Humphreys.

"It'll be good to go back. A lot of my family in Middlesbrough are talking about going along.

"It's just frustrating after being injured as this is a game I would really love to be involved in.''

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