The striker hit the 20-goal mark in 2023-24, but has played second fiddle to fellow Sheffielder Sharp so far this season.
Although involved in every game in the opening month of the season, Ironside has only started two league games to Sharp’s three.
A slow starter in the last couple of campaigns, Ironside’s only goal came against Huddersfield Town in the Football League Trophy. Sharp has four already, three in the league.
However, even with the greatest of intentions, the 38-year-old Football League goalscoring icon will not be able to play 46 league games a season at the level of effort needed by a team that is seriously considering promoting from League Two.
Sharp is yet to complete 90 minutes in his fourth spell at the club.
So it is important Ironside feels a part of things, and takes his chance when he gets it.
“Joe’s so important for us,” stressed his manager, Grant McCann. “I said that to him the other day.
“We’ve got a lot of games left you don’t just get to where you want to with one centre-forward, you need competition.
“Joe understands that.”
Ironside impressed as a replacement for goalscorer Sharp an hour into Saturday’s 1-0 win over Gillingham, harassing the back four with some energetic pressing but unable to get on the scoresheet.
Doncaster’s League Two trip to Harrogate Town has been brought forward from the weekend to Thursday for the benefit of Sky Sports.
Since entering the Football League in 2020, Harrogate has a strong record in Yorkshire derbies. They have won three of the last four meetings against the local team of manager Simon Weaver.
“I’ve reminded the boys Harrogate took six points off us last season so that’s a real focus for us,” added McCann.
We’ll see to it that the guys receive adequate rest and instruction.
“We might try and catch the train this time because the last time we went there the coach set on fire!”
Leave a Reply