Source: FOOTYMAD
Billy Sharp will come good says Rovers Adam Lockwood
Adam Lockwood has leapt to the defence of Doncaster Rovers goal-shy striker Billy Sharp and insisted: "He is doing a great job for the team." Sharp, a club record signing at £650,000 from neighbours Sheffield United in the summer, has yet to register a goal from open play this term.Both of the 24-year-old's strikes so far have come from the penalty spot as Rovers have risen up to seventh place in the Championship.In fact, Sharp, who grabbed 15 goals in 35 appearances in a loan spell at the Keepmoat Stadium in the 2009/10 campaign, last scored from open play in Rovers resounding 5-2 win at Bristol City back in March.However, Lockwood feels that it is "just a matter of time" before Sharp ends his lean spell in front of goal."Nobody is worried about Billy because we know what he is capable of,"We all know what a good player he is. "Billy is doing a great job for the team. It is not just the goals that matter to us. His all-round play is what we need to benefit the side."He is setting up chances for other players and that is what we need him to do. The goals are a bonus to us."It is just a matter of time before he scores from open play. I think people get hooked up on that. I'm looking at him as a teammate who is doing a great job for the side. I won't ever be worried about Billy because he is in contributing so much in other areas."Lockwood, dropped to the substitutes bench for the two recent home clashes with Norwich and Leeds by Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll, says Sharp is a "threat going forward" and that his critics are getting "hooked up" on his shortage of goals.He added: "As a squad, we are looking for people to do their jobs and that is what Billy is doing."Expectations have soared at Rovers following the team's promising start in the second tier. O'Driscoll's troops travel to table-toppers QPR on Saturday bidding to extend their four-match unbeaten run.But Lockwood is refusing to get carried away and says the squad must take one game at a time."We know in this league that if you are not on your game or inconsistent that you will slip up," said the defender. "We know how hard it is to get results."We have to take each game as it comes and the challenges that brings. "If you look too far ahead, you are not going to be prepared for the games coming up. "We are looking to keep on improving and seeing where that gets us come the end of the season."
