ROVERS will have to focus on the next hurdle which comes against a ‘tough’ and ‘physical’ opponent in AFC Wimbledon, according to boss Tony Mowbray.

The Dons arrive at Ewood Park for the first ever meeting between the two sides with one win from their opening seven games, but they did pick up a point on their travels on the opening day at Scunthorpe United.

And when asked what challenge he is anticipating, Mowbray said: “A tough one.

“I think they have got a bit of everything.

“I think they can play, pass from the back, are dynamic, physical, strong, athletic and good on set plays.

“They are a dangerous team, yet we have to try and impose our own qualities on them.

“Being at home we should be on the front foot, but they are a strong, physical side so we have to be ready for that and ready to combat that.

“Hopefully we will have enough quality on the pitch that can help us get the three points.”

With expectations of a home win likely be high, Mowbray admits there may be a need for patience in the stands and on the pitch.

He added: “We won 4-1 in our previous home league game (against MK Dons), yet we needed an element of patience in that.

“There are no easy games, we ran out 4-1 winners but at 2-1 the game could have gone either way.

“They are all difficult games, we expect a tough game from a very focussed and physical team.

“They will see this as a huge match coming to Ewood and we have to be ready.

“The team have to realise every week is a huge game and every hurdle in front of us is one that we really need to focus on before we attempt to jump over it.”