Keegan and Wellens add to Rovers’ content

Back-to-back away wins in league and cup at Colchester and Watford have provided Rovers with a spring in their step, with the feeling of well-being enhanced by Paul Keegan signing a new three-year deal and Richie Wellens agreeing fresh terms.

A clean bill of health, except for Curtis Main, has further increased Dickov’s sense of satisfication, but he is also mindful of Rovers’ successive wins on the road at Yeovil and York at the start of the season – and the reality check provided by Port Vale on August 16.

He is wary about suggestions that his old side Oldham, third from bottom and without a win this term, will represent easy opponents.

Dickov said: “The football we have played lately has been outstanding and our away results have been unbelievable, so the lads are buzzing.

“But Oldham’s performances have been better than their results suggest.”

Dickov says ex-Latics midfielder Wellens will sign a new deal over the weekend, while confirming the veteran has rejected interest from elsewhere to agree fresh terms.

The Rovers chief is not expecting any inward transfer activity ahead of the deadline.

Meanwhile, Oldham striker and Rovers’ summer target Danny Philliskirk insists he does not hold any bitterness regarding a close-season move falling through, but admits he would love to make a lasting impression today.

Philliskirk said: “I do not have any bad words to say about Doncaster from what happened.

“But if I do play, then naturally I want to go out and prove they should have signed me.”