Whoever loses tonight's game will sit bottom of the Championship table but O'Kelly believes both the clubs could yet avoid the drop.
"It's an important game but it is not the be-all and end-all. Survival this season will not hinge on the results o
f two games against Nottingham Forest," he said. "We can both pick up results and both move up the table as Barnsley have done."
Forest replaced Rovers at the bottom three days ago after losing at home to Norwich City while Rovers picked up a point in the goalless draw at Burnley.
O'Kelly says life in the Championship has already been an education for everyone at the Keepmoat Stadium.
The need for a new striker remains one of the club's top priorities, however, although the chances of landing Hull City's Dean Windass now look slim.
O'Kelly said: "We are still looking but we will not buy for the sake of it. We have a responsibility to the board and the club's supporters to spend money wisely and unless we feel a player will improve us, we won't do it."
Last six games: Rovers LLDLWD, Forest LWDDDL.
Last time: Rovers 1 Forest 0; March 28, 2008; League One.
Referee: AM Penn (West Midlands).
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