Gaffer happy with penalty shootout win which sees youthful Rovers through.
Paul Dickov laid praise at the feet of Rovers’ younger players after they helped to secure the safe passage in to round two of this season’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
Rovers defeated Burton Albion 5-3 on penalties after the game finished 0-0.
“I’m delighted. The performance wasn’t great by all means but with the young kids in there and, with plenty of desire, I was glad to get the result,” said Dickov.
“We’ve got a good crop of young kids here - which I’ve said all along - I’m not sure they can do it week in week out but with the amount of games we've had it was right to put them in.
“I thought they deserved their chance despite looking shaky in the opening twenty (minutes).”
Paul Keegan returned to the fold for the first time since injury in March curtailed his 2014/15 campaign.
“Keegs (Keegan) was only ever going to get 45 minutes but there’s no substitute for playing,” said Dickov.
“We felt that giving him game time was important and he's completely fine. He felt a little off the pace which is natural but it’s great to see him back in the shirt and he’ll be back in contention for Saturday considering there's no reaction.”
Also in contention for Saturday’s trip to Gillingham are new loan signing Oscar Gobern and Richie Wellens, who will both be “available” for the game at the Priestfield Stadium said Dickov.
“I’m buzzing with Oscar; I was close to signing him in the summer when he played for Huddersfield in the Championship towards the end of the season but he decided it was time to go to QPR and test himself,” he said.
“He’s a big physical presence, I’ve watched him for a long time and we're delighted to have him as his left foot brings plenty of balance to the midfield.
“Both he and Wellens will be available for selection on Saturday – Richie wanted to move to a club closer and it’s not happened for whatever reason but we’ve no problem welcoming him back because at his best, he's a quality player.”