Grant McCann praised his young guns as they came so close to a superb comeback in the EFL Trophy at Mansfield Town.
Finding themselves two goals down inside 13 minutes, Rovers roared back to level in the second half through Ben Close and Joe Ironside before being dealt a late blow with Callum Johnson’s 88th minute header to secure the Northern Group H tie.
McCann made eight changes to his side, including handing a debut to Academy product Will Flint along with starts for Jack Goodman and Tavonga Kuleya.
And he was pleased overall with the performance of the side.
“It was a good open game and I thought we played well,” McCann said. “I was really pleased with what I saw.
“A lot of the play and the chances we created, it was pleasing to see. It was a young team on the pitch.
“A debut for Will Flint, who I thought grew into the game. He had a tough task against Gale but stuck to his guns and did very well for a 17-year-old boy, still a scholar.
“Tavonga Kuleya with his energy was excellent all night and I’m pleased for Jack Goodman. His movement was excellent and on another night he scores one or two goals.
“All in all, there were lots of chances created. Chances we didn’t take, which was frustrating. But I’m pleased with the performance of the team and the impact from the bench. I was really pleased watching the boys tonight.”
To watch McCann’s full post-match interview, click play on the video above.