Damien Johnson believes Rovers Under-23s face a must win game tonight if they are to progress in the Premier League Cup.

Rovers have won just one of their opening three group matches, that coming last time out against Doncaster Rovers, a record they will need to improve on if they were to make the last 16.

They host Sheffield United, three points ahead of Rovers in second, tonight at Leyland (7pm) as the second round of fixtures begin.

Leaders Everton have a perfect record, with nine points from three games, and Johnson knows his players must find a win tonight to keep their hopes alive.

Rovers go in to the game on the back of a 3-1 defeat at Derby County in Premier League 2 which ended their run of four consecutive wins.

Ahead of the Blades visit, Johnson said: “We have to win, there’s no two ways about it.

“We know that’s going to be a tough game. They turned us over at their place and we know what we’ll be up against.

“We have to be ready and I’m sure we will be. I’m expecting a reaction. The lads were disappointed with themselves (after Derby).

“They have been better than that and the challenge is to get back to what we have been doing over the last few weeks and months.”

Rovers were beaten 3-1 at Sheffield United in October, and 1-0 by Everton at Leyland before beating Doncaster 4-0.

Their attacking options will be boosted by the return of Dan Butterworth after he served his three match suspension.

But Johnson won’t be able to call upon Joe Grayson and Brad Lyons, who have departed on loan, and striker Joe Nuttall who scored for the second game running for the first team.

Entry is free for season ticket holders.