ROVERS boss Tony Mowbray says tomorrow night’s East Lancashire derby presents a chance for some of his players to push their case for a starting spot against MK Dons in League One on Saturday.

Mowbray made just four changes to his side for the opening round win at Coventry City, and a similar number are expected against Burnley tomorrow evening.

Of those four who came in for the win over the Sky Blues, three kept their place for the following league game.

Although he has injuries to key personnel, Mowbray says the team he selects will be capable of pulling off an upset against the Clarets.

He said: “I think everyone who is in the 17 or 18 footballers that we have got deserves an opportunity.

“There aren’t too many things to change, but our fans should know that we are going to be committed, we are going to try and win the game, while being conscious that we can’t be too open against a Premier League side that can pick holes in you if you aren’t organised and set up properly.

“Putting it in to context, we are in League One, they are Burnley of the Premier League. 

“They started off with a win at Stamford Bridge and have a pretty settled squad and a manager who doesn’t change too many things.

“He makes them very hard to play against, he’s got some intelligent footballers in there and they are a decent team.

“We know the task in hand and we will face the challenge head on.”

Rovers will be without injured trio Darragh Lenihan, Bradley Dack and Ryan Nyambe while Corry Evans and Craig Conway may not be risked having just returned from injury.

And with a home game against MK Dons following 72 hours later, Mowbray insists promotion remains Rovers’ priority.

“I think we have to have half an eye on that game,” Mowbray added.

“Ultimately we will get judged on our league position as the season goes on.

“We will pick a team that we feel can be really competitive and give ourselves the best chance to win but also a team that will give us the best chance of beating MK Dons on Saturday.”