Dickov planning to use Rovers’ weekend off to their advantage

Successive victories in league and cup at Scunthorpe and Burton have put some wind back in Rovers’ sails after an earlier run of one win in six matches.

But international call-ups have ensured Rovers, whose scheduled weekend match at home to Notts County has been rescheduled for December 9, aren’t back in action until visiting Fleetwood on Saturday week.

Rovers schemer Richie Wellens, who netted in the club’s 3-0 win at Burton in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on Tuesday, has called the break ‘a pain in the backside’, but Dickov plans to use the time wisely.

He said: “We will work the ones who need to be worked and get some rest into the ones who need it ahead of a very tough trip to Fleetwood.

“We know we will go into it with a lot of confidence.”

Barnsley manager Danny Wilson was left to rue a mixed bag of a performance from his side on Tuesday, who rallied from a 2-0 deficit to force penalties at Oldham, only to bow out of the Trophy 4-2 on spot-kicks.

Wilson added: “In the second half, we were absolutely magnificent. We took the game to them and had chance after chance and scored two terrific goals from my perspective. But then you go into a lottery when you go to penalties.

“Did we deserve to win? Not on the first half.”

The Reds will today assess the fitness of loan signing Ryan Williams (calf), who came off on his debut on Tuesday.

Martin Cranie (groin) will also be monitored after missing the clash at Boundary Park, with Dale Jennings and Jean-Yves M’voto also currently nursing injuries ahead of Sunday’s home derby with Bradford City.