Paul Green '˜just training with Rovers' says Ferguson

Darren Ferguson has played down speculation surrounding former midfield favourite Paul Green.
Paul Green against Rossington last week. Picture: Andrew RoePaul Green against Rossington last week. Picture: Andrew Roe
Paul Green against Rossington last week. Picture: Andrew Roe

Green - a free agent following his release from Rotherham United - raised eyebrows by playing 45 minutes for Rovers at Rossington Main last week.

After the game Ferguson did not rule out an attempt to sign the 33-year-old Republic of Ireland international.

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However, Green played no part in Saturday’s 2-0 friendly defeat to Middlesbrough at the Keepmoat Stadium.

“He’s only training with us, is Paul,” Ferguson said in his post-match interview.

“I looked at what I needed today. He obviously played on Tuesday. I didn’t realise it would cause such a stir, Paul Green playing!

“He’s a good player. There’s no doubt about his quality but he’s only training with us.

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“He came in late in the day and it was a really a gesture, that he wanted to train with us and we’ve let him in to train with us to keep his fitness up.

“But he was never in my mind to sign because I thought he’d be tied up. He’s not, and he’s only training with us. And that’s no further forward than it was when he first came in the building really.”

Green was NOT absent because he was playing for someone else, Ferguson confirmed.

“He just didn’t play because of numbers,” said Rovers’ boss.

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“And I think also, if we had any interest in signing him, if I keep playing him and we haven’t signed him then others can look at him.

“For everyone really, it’s best that he’s training with us at the moment and that’s all it is.”

Centre back Joe Wright is expected to return to full training today following his groin complaint and should be involved against Newcastle United on Wednesday.

Mathieu Baudry, who has undergone an Achilles operation, will be out until late August.