Manager Darren Ferguson says the experience of this season’s Carabao Cup trip to Arsenal is all the incentive any club needs to reach the third round.
Rovers must overcome local rivals Scunthorpe United at the Keepmoat Stadium on Sunday for the possibility of facing a big side in the next round, and Ferguson says that it is an important game for his side.
“I will reflect back to the Arsenal game in the Carabao Cup as we got a big side in the third round of that competition and it was a great day out for the fans,” Ferguson said.
“There are a lot of things that add up for us, in a cup match you go out to win and that’s what we will try and do because I do not want a replay.
“It’s important you progress as far as you can and it’s especially important for the club, it’s a local derby that everyone wants to win then the third round the big teams start to come in and we all love a cup run.”
The Iron have won their previous five games in all competitions and Ferguson says fellow manager Graham Alexander has done a fantastic job during his time at the club.
“Scunthorpe are a very good side, they are a team who have put a bit of form together of late, they have a strong squad that know what they are doing and have players that can change games,” he added.
“You saw it last week when Josh Morris came off the bench and scored two marvellous goals and as a team they are very experienced and an organised side, so it will be a tough game.
“They are a team that have come close to promotion in recent years and I’m sure they are wanting to make the next step and Graham Alexander is doing a fantastic job there and they are a tough nut to crack.”