Opportunity will knock for some Rovers fringe players this evening, with boss Tony Mowbray challenging them to show they warrant a starting spot for league fixtures.

Summer signing Joe Rothwell, plus the likes of Paul Downing, Peter Whittingham and Craig Conway could be among those given a first start of the season at Carlisle United in the Carabao Cup tonight.

The boss has so far been loyal to the players who helped Rovers to promotion, but remains keen to further strengthen his squad before the loan window closes.

And while game-time won’t be handed out for the sake of it, Mowbray said the performances of some could indicate how important adding to his squad is.

He said: “I pick a team a team to go and try and win. I will pick players who can get the job done and if we get an injury in a position then this player might have to be used, then let’s use them now and see if they can do the job.

“The loan window is still open and if we need to use that in certain areas after watching performance levels in games like this then we will do that.

“Everyone will get an opportunity, as I keep saying to them, and they have to perform.

“If we want to get in the team you have to perform when an opportunity comes along.”

Danny Graham, Bradley Dack and Charlie Mulgrew are expected to be rested tonight, with Rovers facing three Championship matches in the next 10 days.

Rovers are yet to earn a victory this season, after opening their league account with back-to-back draws, and Mowbray is keen to see his side progress against a Carlisle side who beat them 3-1 last pre-season.

“We’ll be taking a strong group of players there and trying to win,” he added. “While it’s important to pick up three points in the league we want to progress in the cups if we can.

“It would be nice to test ourselves against Premier League clubs somewhere down the line.

“At this moment in time we need to overcome the obstacle that is Carlisle United and as we found out last pre-season that won’t be easy. We’ll go there really positive and try and get a positive result.”

On the opposition, who have picked up one points from their two League Two games, the boss added: “They have some threats at the top end of the pitch.

“They have a direct element to them but have some pace and power about them in the wide areas, a number 10 (Jamie Devitt) who picks up nice pockets of space, and are competitive all over the pitch.

“It’s a game where we will have to be at it and will have to impose ourselves on them.

“We are two leagues in front of them now and will have to ensure they feel our quality.”