Paul Dickov’s side have been boosted by the news that captain Rob Jones is fit to resume full training following a severe neck injury.
Rovers’ towering centre-back has been sidelined for nearly nine months, however, an operation on his neck has led to Jones receiving the good news he’s been craving.
In his absence, several defensive combinations had been used to fill the void Jones left during Rovers’ ill-fated Championship campaign.
On his news, the delighted 34-year-old said: “Having the captain out of the team for such a long time isn’t great. I didn’t expect the results I got given but I’ll take them with both hands.
“It’s incredible when you’ve been out for nearly a year and you don’t really see it coming to an end in a positive way. So, to go into his room and to have that positive news which I’ve been waiting for, for quite some time, is great.”
The former Sheffield Wednesday defender is now hopeful of featuring against Yeovil in August in Rovers’ League One opener.
“I’ve got the first game of the season in two weeks and I’ve got to try and be ready for that. If not, then as soon as possible,” said the ex-Hibernian stopper.
“All I want to do is play football and I haven’t been able to do that for the last year. I don’t like watching pre-season games so hopefully I can be back involved in those and try and make a difference.”
He went on: “I’ve been told three or four times to go steady but I think if you see me I’ll be heading balls and what not. It’s not my way at all, I’m all in or not at all but I’ve got to look at the bigger picture.”