John Schofield says the Development side will relish the opportunity to take on some of the best young players in the country in the Premier League Cup.
Rovers' youngsters will take on the U21 sides from Everton, Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers in Group B of the competition - with games also predominantly taking place on the club's first-team pitch.
Schofield said: "It's a fantastic opportunity for our players to go and play against bigger clubs than what they would normally do, they'll be coming up against some great young players at Premier League clubs, and it's a great way for them to test themselves as a group.
"This is like the FA Cup for them, lower league clubs want to go and play away at Manchester United or Everton, big teams in the Premier League, and that's exactly what it could be for these lads.
"There's no bigger incentive for those lads than putting in a great performance in the cup and then when the gaffer looks to fill his bench at the weekend and he remembers someone doing well in these games, so competing in the cup will be great for the club."