KARL Robinson admitted he decided against substituting Rob Dickie against Doncaster Rovers to test the centre back’s mentality.

The 22-year-old was clumsily booked inside the opening ten minutes and then conceded a penalty which allowed the hosts to take the lead.

While the decision looked harsh, Dickie looked rattled for a spell before regaining his composure after the break.

Robinson revealed United had considered making a change, but instead opted to use it as a chance to see if the defender could dig himself out of difficulty.

The head coach said: “We were thinking about subbing him, but I have to see what Rob Dickie’s got.

“I know he’s quick, I know he’s talented, I know he’s great in the air, but I need to see what he’s like when he’s on the floor and see how he stands up.

“In the second half I thought Rob Dickie was magnificent.”

Ben Whiteman’s spot-kick was cancelled out by Gavin Whyte’s strike, but United’s resulting spell of pressure could not find a way through.

Instead Rovers, who looked on the ropes, retook the lead in the 90th minute through Alfie May.

A defeat looked on the cards, but Josh Ruffels drew the visitors level seven minutes into stoppage-time.

Robinson could not contain himself, although he quickly found he was the only one heading to the travelling fans.

He said: “I got carried away with the emotion and ended up 30 yards away.

“I thought the players would have celebrated with our fans but when I got there and turned round to see they were at the other end and I thought ‘oh, you idiot’.”

He added: “It’s 16 games with one defeat, an amazing run and I’m so proud of my players.”