ROVERS defender Sebastian Pelzer plans to use tonight's Worthington Cup clash with Walsall as a springboard into the first team.

The 21-year-old full-back, who signed from Kaiserslautern in the summer, has been pencilled in for a starting role as Rovers prepare to launch their defence of the trophy they won in Cardiff last season.

And the ambitious German is determined to prove to both manager Graeme Souness and the fans that he could be the answer to Rovers' problems at left-back.

"It's a great feeling to be in the squad. I was surprised to get the chance," said Pelzer.

"But this is my big opportunity and I've got to make sure I take it with both hands by playing well.

"I've been a bit disappointed by how things have gone so far and there have been times when I've got frustrated because I'd be fit one week, then I'd pick up an injury the next.

"So it has got me down but now I feel absolutely fine and I can't wait to play tonight because I'm desperate to impress the manager.

"And the best way to do that is by playing well in the first team."

Pelzer has yet to figure in the first team after being dogged by a series of injuries since the summer.

But, with Stig Bjornebye still not fully fit after a serious eye injury which has meant Nissa Johansson has had to be pressed into service as an emergency left-back, he knows a regular place in the first team could be up for grabs if he can make the right impression. "I can't say anything about that because it's not my place to comment. All I can do is take my chance when it comes and hope to force my way into the squad on a more permanent basis."

Meanwhile, Souness insists he is taking tonight's game seriously even though he is likely to rest a host of his top stars.

"We can't play down the Worthington Cup. We are in Europe because of the Worthington Cup and it's been kind to us in the last 12 months," said Souness.

"We owe it to our supporters and the competition in general to have a real go."

at it and try to win it again.

"Our fans will have to understand that we won't be fielding our strongest team but I think they do understand that and the reasons behind it.

"So it's a balancing act but it's not hard to do that."

As we revealed yesterday, fit-again striker Matt Jansen looks set to partner Ciccio Grabbi in attack for what will be his first start of the season, barring a run-out in the reserves.

Fans can buy tickets right up until kick-off for tonight's game with prices ranging from £10 for adults to £5 for concessions.

Officials are expecting a crowd in the region of 8,000 for the third round tie as the two clubs compete for a place in the last 16.