by Paul Williams

Is it really more than seven years since Copps’ unforgettable hat-trick against Southend United on a night on which the whole of the Keepmoat was rocking? I’ve still got that on a CD somewhere.

We all remember what that led to, of course, so maybe it’s pointer that Rovers meet the Shrimpers for the first time since less than a week since they recorded a first-ever victory against Leeds at the Keepmoat.

I’m sure Paul Dickov would love to rotate his squad a little in the midst of a busy run of matches but circumstances are conspiring against the Rovers manager. Paul Keegan is still absent, as is Danny N’Guessan, and they’ve been joined on the treatment table by Nathan Tyson, who could be out for a few weeks. Richard Chaplow is back in training, however, and could be fit enough for a place on the bench this Wednesday. Either Rob Jones or Gary Mackenzie will again partner Andy Butler at the heart of the defence but otherwise the line-up will be similar to the one that started Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Wigan and the Capital One Cup game against Leeds.

Southend, who scrambled up via the play-offs last season, started off the new campaign with a creditable draw at Fleetwood but were never at the races when beaten 2-0 by Walsall in their first home game. They are supposedly better on the road and Brian Horton will able to give Phil Brown a rundown on what to expect given he was in the Rovers’ dug-out up until May.

Performances have been good so far but chances need to be taken if Rovers are to stay on the heels of the early pace-setters. Tyson’s injury is a blow but the manager says he is no hurry to buy or loan a replacement, so let’s hope Curtis Main uses his absence as the incentive to show fans that he can produce the goods on a regular basis – three points please, just to settle the nerves.