Sitting four games from a Wembley final is nothing to be sniffed at, according to Paul Dickov.
The Rovers boss reiterated his intention to take the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy as seriously as any other competition as he prepares to welcome Notts County to the Keepmoat tonight in a Northern Area quarter final clash.
That is despite the major fixture pile up Rovers have found themselves within towards the end of the year.
Beat the Magpies tonight and a tie with Preston at home awaits next Tuesday night. That would ensure, following seven games in the last 24 days that another five would be played in a 15 day spell before 2014 is finished.
Yet Dickov insists having the arch of Wembley in sight should be enough to see the JP Trophy be given top priority this week.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the players to get to Wembley,” Dickov said.
“We’re four games from a Wembley final.
“It’s probably the players’ best chance of ever getting to Wembley so it’s definitely something we take seriously.
“It’s a great opportunity to go there. I did it as a player and it’s something you remember for a long, long time.
“There’s also the factor of wanting to keep our run going, not just in the competition but the run we’re on as a whole.”
Dickov’s sentiment regarding the road to Wembley was echoed by striker Theo Robinson, who looks set to retain his place in the starting XI due to Nathan Tyson’s continued absence.
“I’ve never had the chance to play there and neither have most of the lads so it’s a chance you can’t turn down,” Robinson said.
n Rovers were last night drawn at home to Bristol City in the FA Cup third round.