DONCASTER boss Rob Jones looks set to pull the shirt back on against Swindon Town after Gary Mackenzie’s red card at Sheffield United left him short of defensive cover.

Jones, who took over from Paul Dickov after the latter was dismissed at the start of the month, has not played since the League Cup defeat at home to Ipswich in August and as late as last week was undecided whether he wanted to combine his management duties with playing.

It is something he has done for Rovers before, serving as joint-manager with Brian Flynn when Doncaster won League One in 2013.

With the suspension of Mackenzie and the continued absence of Luke McCullough through a knee injury, it seems circumstances could force the 35-year-old into action. However, Jones insists he will do so on his own terms.

“Pressure (to play) is something you put on yourself," he said.

“Maybe there will come a point where I have to come out and play again. But I’m ready. If that has to happen Tuesday, then it’s what has to happen on Tuesday.

“I’m ready to do both sides.”

Although he has not been playing of late, Jones does not doubt he has the fitness to make a return, with his reluctance to take the field more centred on managing the game from the field.

“I’ve not gone away and done nothing,” he added. “I’m fit, strong, I want to play.”

After Rovers’ 3-1 defeat at Bramall Lane on Saturday, Jones was seething and will be looking for a reaction from his players against Town tonight.

With a squad featuring one of League One’s top scorers last term, in former Town man Andy Williams, there is no doubt Rovers have quality to call on. Jones is adamant he can draw more from his players.

He said: “I think, because we’ve now had a few home truths, it will hopefully make them react in a positive manner.”