- By Claire Johnson
Ahead of Rovers' clash against a high flying Nottingham Forest side at the Keepmoat on Saturday, manager Sean O'Driscoll looked towards what promises to be a thrilling footballing battle.
O'Driscoll praised Forest manager Billy Davies on what he has achieved with a side that, when he took over last season, were still caught in a relegation battle.
"I think they're doing fantastically well," Sean told Rovers Player.
"Credit to the Nottingham Forest board, they backed him and he's delivered. He's tried to play it down as you do when you're doing well. To go 16,17, 18 games without defeat in the Championship though is miraculous."
O'Driscoll credits Forest manager Davies on sticking to his footballing principles; playing their impressive attacking play, both home and away.
"You might as well get it on your own terms, whether you say it like Billy (Davies) does, or play a certain way. You just stick to it. You have to have courage in your convictions. Having the right manager at the right time is key, and to their credit Forest have done extremely well. I remember having a conversation at their place where I said I wouldn't be surprised if they went up as Champions. They're effective. They score goals and defend, and do everything you need to do to win a football game. You can't go that many games unbeaten without the team working together, doing the right things, and seeing that week in and out. Consistency is the hardest thing in any sport."
Forest have this season played with a certain attacking flair that many Championship sides are finding hard to deal with. O'Driscoll emphasises that Forest have strength in depth, especially with their rota of top class strikers.
"They have a strong squad. I remember the last time we played them, their bench was almost like a first eleven. Not only like for like, but players who can do different things. The pace of Tyson, the trickery of Earnshaw, the power of Adebola. They have got a nice balanced squad and winning brings confidence. I don't know Billy personally, but if anyone gets too big for their boots they get a kick up the backside!"
