GRAEME Souness is set to ring the changes tonight for Rovers' Worthington Cup first round first leg clash with Rochdale at Spotland.

The likes of Stig Inge Bjornebye, Craig Short, Christian Dailly, Damien Duff and Jason McAteer are all set to be rested, while John Filan is likely to replace Alan Kelly in goal.

That gives the likes of Martin Taylor, Marlon Broomes, Keith Gillespie and Steve Harkness the chance to force their way into Souness's plans.

And Republic of Ireland international Jeff Kenna is also back in the fold following his seven-month injury nightmare and should start on the bench.

"I'm going to make a few changes so the people in the squad who haven't featured so far will get a game," said Souness.

"And it makes sense to rest those players who are now over 30 because we've got a long, hard season ahead.

"Craig Short has had a bit of a niggle anyway so I want to make sure he's fit for Saturday.

"And Stig was involved in Euro 2000 so he's been in need of a rest anyway.

"But having such good cover gives me the option to do that.

"The fact that it's Rochdale and the first round of the Worthington Cup has nothing to do with it.

"The Souness philosophy will always remain the same -- it's a game we want to win.

"Everyone knows promotion is our top priority but we also want to do well in the cup competitions.

"It's obviously an emotional week but, as professionals, we've got to be aware of the job that needs to be done."

Souness has yet to name an official squad so who comes in to replace the rested players remains to be seen.

Rovers are likely to choose from: Filan, Curtis, Harkness, Taylor, Broomes, Flitcroft, Dunn, Johnson, Jansen, Blake, Ostenstad, Gillespie, Kenna, McKinlay, Kelly, Baldacchino, Burgess, Murphy.

Former Rovers centre-back Keith Hill is included in Steve Parkin's Rochdale squad.