Harrison Biggins is calling on Rovers to lay down a marker for home form this season when they host Sutton United this weekend.
After battling to a creditable point on the opening day at Bradford City, Rovers kick off their home campaign at the Eco-Power Stadium on Saturday.
And Biggins says a win against last season’s surprise package in Sky Bet League Two will represent a statement of intent for Rovers.
Biggins on taking plenty from the opening game:
“We can certainly take a lot from it. Walking out in front of 20,000 on the opening day could catch a few by surprise but it shows a lot about us as a group - the way we ground it out and they way we came through it.”
On settling in at Rovers:
“I’ve really enjoyed it. I think it’s a great club.
“Saturday just topped it off. You see 2,000 travelling fans and it says a lot.
“It gives you that extra boost and you want to go out and perform for them.
“I’m playing with a smile on my face and I’m enjoying coming in every day, which goes a long way.
“Hopefully, sooner rather than later it shows in my performances and I can take it on again.”
On the prospects for the season:
“I think we’re looking really good. We’ve got a good mix of prospects and experience and four or five in between that age and experience gap.
“All the new lads have settled in really well and I feel we’ve got a good group in there.
“We want to score goals, be exciting and play good football. With some of the names that have come in and some of the lads that were already here - put that together and hopefully we score a lot of goals.
“We’re certainly looking forward. The disappointment of last season has been well and truly put behind us now. No one is talking about it or thinking about it. We’re just looking forward to it and hopefully it’s going to be a successful season.”
On his role in the team:
“As the pre-season games have shown, I’ve found myself playing with Clayts [Adam Clayton] a lot and he does like to sit, get on it and give me more of a free role.
“We had a chat in the summer about what he wants from me and what I want to bring and so far it’s gone pretty well.
“It’s a position where you’d like to think you’ll get a lot of involvement in the games. I think that’s for everyone with the way we want to play. Everyone is going to have their say and be involved.
“We have to take the responsibility on ourselves.”
On his first competitive game at the Eco-Power Stadium:
“I’m really looking forward to it. Hopefully our first three points on the board and the fans come out in numbers again. We’re looking forward to getting going.
“We’ve set our plans and if you are going to be up there, home games are crucial.
“Starting Saturday, it’s the one where we need to make our mark.”
On the test of Sutton:
“You saw last season that they were probably the underdogs, being freshly promoted.
“But you look at where they finished, and getting to the final of the Papa John’s Trophy, it shows what they can do.
“We’re not going to underestimate them. We’ll prepare properly and make sure we’re ready for it.”