South African star Bongani Khumalo believes Rovers can challenge at the top end of the Championship.
An inherent belief among the club’s squad that they were too good for League One was one of the driving forces behind last season’s title exploits.
This season they want to be the Championship’s surprise package.
And the confidence and close-knit spirit within the club is showing no signs of waning in the second tier, according to on-loan defender Khumalo.
“I think we can go all the way, this is just the beginning,” said the 26-year-old, who played a starring role in Tuesday night’s 2-2 draw at Wigan.
“It’s okay to be the underdog, I don’t mind that.
“We can be the underdog all season as long as we end up in a good position, whether that be promotion or play-off places.
“But we’re as good as anyone in this league.
“Promotion is the golden prize. You need to give yourself a chance. If you work hard and do the right things you’re in with a chance.
“Belief is a massive part of it. You don’t want to overcook it, just take it one game at a time.
“The belief is there,” he added. “It’s shown in terms of our work rate.
“That’s the non-negotiable here - the work rate. Everyone is committed to the cause.”
Khumalo says he has settled quickly after joining on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur - and that was evident in his commanding performance at the DW Stadium.
“I’m enjoying it here,” he said.
“I’m getting to know the players every day and I just want to get better with every game and help Doncaster as best as I can.
“There’s a great bunch of players here and we’d like to surprise a few people.
“It’s a great challenge that has been put forth. I’ve embraced it and I’m very grateful to the club and players for helping me settle in as fast as possible.
“It was really end to end stuff. The pace of the game was pretty cool, it was pretty good,” he added, on Tuesday night’s game.
“I think we did well under the circumstances.
“If you look at the second half, getting a point was not the worst result. We almost nicked it at the end but now we move on to Charlton on Saturday.”