ROVERS are going to have to approach the Brentford game like a cup tie if they want to return to winning ways - or at least not slump to a second successive defeat.

The last-gasp loss to Sheffield Wednesday at Ewood Park last week was a real kick in the teeth but I am sure the players are over that now.

MORE TOP STORIES:

And they need to be because Brentford is no easy place to go.

They have been the surprise package in the Championship this season, largely built up on a fine home record.

Griffin Park in a compact little ground, I don’t think it has changed much since I played there, and the fans are right on top of you.

No disrespect to Brentford, but the ground is more League One than Championship and that is something that has certainly worked to their advantage.

And that is why Rovers have to approach it like it is a cup tie. But if they match Brentford for commitment and effort then they should get something out of the game because they have the better players.

It will all about keeping the fans quiet in the opening 20 minutes and taking it from there.

It won’t be easy, Derby lost their recently and the manager, Mark Warburton, has put together a tidy little team. There are no stars in his side, they all work for each and it is good to see former Rovers player Alan Judge doing so well down there.

Rovers have to match that work ethic and really be up for it. They are still considered something of a prized scalp in this division and Brentford will be out to get one over another of the big teams.

Gary Bowyer has done a fantastic job this season, as he did in the second half of last term, and he will have his players ready for anything Brentford throw at them.

Rovers got in to that winning habit prior the Wednesday game and it is important that returns quickly.