Gaffer speaks to official website in aftermath of pre-season friendly against higher level opposition.
Paul Dickov praised the efforts of his squad after a solid 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest at Keepmoat Stadium kicked off the high profile quartet of home pre season friendlies.Dickov saw Curtis Main sweep home prior to Chris Burke’s sublime equaliser in a game where he used 18 players – including three of the Youth Team.
“It was a really good workout; it was what we expected against a good Championship side and we wanted to test ourselves a little bit,” said the Scot.
“I thought the first 35 minutes we were excellent in our shape and some of the patience we had. In the second half, with all the substitutions, it took on a pre-season feel and was a little bit disjointed but getting the young academy lads on at the end was one of many positives.
“We wanted to give the younger kids – especially Michael [Carberry], Matt [Parkin] and Jordan [Linley] the experience of being out there. I thought Harry [Middleton] was excellent and I could reel off another 3 or 4 names.”
Notable absentees from the Rovers squad included Richie Wellens, Nathan Tyson, Paul Keegan and Richard Chaplow but Dickov was not overly concerned by the knocks and was unprepared to take any chances.
“Richie’s was just a tight calf and it wasn’t worth the risk,” said Dickov.
“It was the same with Nathan Tyson so there was no real need to take risks with them.
“Chaplow banged his knee yesterday and it didn’t look too good to start with and he’s had a scan today but there’s no serious damage which is good. Keegan we are managing through at the moment, he went to Portugal and has done a few sessions where he’s tightened up but, as I say, there’s no point taking risks.”
Dickov remained tight lipped when questioned about potential new signings though and would not attach any possible time frame to proceedings.
“I’m not going to say. If I say this week, everybody jumps on the bandwagon so I’m going to shut my mouth,” he joked.
“What I have done (in the transfer window) I’m delighted with. When you’re recruiting players, the one thing you’ve got to do is improve and every signing has done that.”
Rovers entertain Middlesbrough on Saturday for James Coppinger’s testimonial. Tickets are available HERE or by calling 01302 762576.