Doncaster boss Sean O'Driscoll insists his players will have to be at their best if they are to shock Aston Villa in the FA Cup.
Rovers chief challenges players
Doncaster boss Sean O'Driscoll insists his players will have to be at their best if they are to shock Aston Villa in the FA Cup.
The Championship side booked a meeting with Villa on Saturday with a 3-0 win over Cheltenham in their third-round replay.
Skipper Brian Stock scored in either half and Sam Hird grabbed his first for the club as Doncaster swept aside their League One opponents to secure their first appearance in the fourth round for over 20 years.
The clash with Villa will be a rematch of the Carling Cup meeting in November 2005.
Doncaster won 3-0 on that occasion but O'Driscoll is expecting a tougher task this time around.
"It will be a great occasion for the supporters. We've had a difficult season and it's something for them to look forward to," said O'Driscoll.
"They're a very attractive Premier League side and we will have to play well to get something out of the game.
"All season's it's been about performances and if we can be clinical and defend well we've got a chance.
"I'm sure Martin O'Neill will play the strongest side he can and it will be tough."
Birmingham assistant manager Roy Aitken was at the Keepmoat Stadium reportedly keeping tabs on Doncaster defender Matthew Mills but O'Driscoll revealed he had had no contact from the Blues.
"In football the hierarchy feeds on the smaller clubs and we're a smaller club compared to Birmingham and we'll do the same to other clubs," he added.
"If I'm interested in a player then I speak to their manager and as yet that hasn't happened and we've had no approach."
Target
O'Driscoll also confirmed that he is still searching for a striker and is in talks with Oldham's Lee Hughes who is out of contract at the end of the season.
"Our problem has been scoring goals and we're in the market for a striker," said O'Driscoll.
"The Lee Hughes move is ongoing. He's out of contract at the end of the season. We've got permission to speak to Lee and it is ongoing."
Cheltenham were forced into several changes after injuries and a suspension left manager Martin Allen with only 13 fit senior professionals available.
Frustrated
Despite being proud of the display shown by his players, Allen was frustrated to see his side squander several chances as both Jonathan Hayes and Elvis Hammond wasted good opportunities.
"My team were absolutely fantastic. I was shocked to see them go in at half-time 2-0 down to be honest," said Allen.
"Since I've been here the team has played with great commitment but in every game we've wasted chances.
"As a team we have to take responsibility. You have to take chances, have more belief and be more cutting."
Allen also revealed he will have to get rid of players in order to bolster his squad in the transfer window.
"I don't think there is any money there. We have to get rid of players and cut the wage bill," added Allen.
"We're trying to help players move on, but I'm not worried and I believe we can do well. We must be more clinical though."
