Nigel Clough praises ‘superb’ signing Liam Thompson after statement League One debut for Mansfield Town vs Doncaster Rovers

Stags enjoyed a 2-1 win over Doncaster Rovers in their League One opener on Saturday. The game allowed new signings Michael Smith and Liam Thompson a solid run out in their first league appearance in amber and blue, and Nigel Clough was left very impressed with both players.

Thompson put in an influential performance in midfield which earned him the Player of the Match award. The 24-year-old was a real handful for Rovers with his quick feet and dribbling as he tried to orchestrate attacking play for Stags. He also did his fair share of defending with some important tackles and sharp vision to break up play and win balls back for his side.

Thompson put in a real shift for Mansfield and certainly looks like he will be an important figure this season.

“I thought he was absolutely superb. I couldn’t think of another Man of the Match. He was head and shoulders above today, so only one contender for that,” Clough said after the match.

The manager had a lot of praise for his side as a whole and the team performance they put in. Smith was also a hot topic after the game.

“I thought the back three defended well when we needed them to, it was a good all-round team performance. It was a blow losing David McGoldrick and Tyler Roberts this week creativity wise but it shows the strength of the squad,” Clough continued.

“I thought Michael Smith was really good today, it was a very good team performance from him. Didn’t get a goal, probably deserved one but I thought he played extremely well for the team. A solid team performance against a good side.”

McGoldrick and Roberts were not named in the match-day squad as both strikers have picked up injuries. However, Clough doesn’t envisage the duo being out for too long. Baily Cargill is also ‘not far off’ and Luke Bolton has started his training.

“We took David off against Sheffield United on the Sunday and he was fine, then on the Monday his calf tightened up. We got him scanned and it’s a very slight strain there. He’s not going to be long, and we’re hoping Tyler is the same – just two or three weeks.”

Newest signing Owen Dodgson made his first appearance for Stags against Doncaster, replacing Stephen McLaughlin on the left-hand side in the second half.

“We like his left foot, the variation of his passing and his crossing, and we think he will share the role with Macca nicely,” Clough said.