Harry Pickering feels Rovers have come a long way since their early season defeat to Sheffield United -and are much more prepared to face the promotion-chasing Blades.

Rovers were beaten in comprehensive fashion at Bramall Lane in August but host the Blades in fine form, and confident mood.

Three successive league wins have moved Rovers up to fourth, while a midweek cup success at Leicester City saw them progress into the FA Cup quarter finals.

“They’re a good side, with some good players, and we know it’s going to be a tough game,” Pickering said of United.

“We know that on our day we are a match for anyone and I think it’ll be a good game and a chance to show that we can compete with the top teams in this division.

“We were getting used to a new type of style of play and we’ve had a lot of games since then so we’re looking stronger and hopefully we can put that into the performance and turn in a good game.”

Despite having the prospect of an exciting end to the season, Rovers have firmly in their minds last season when they fell out of contention altogether to finish in eighth position.

Their task in the remaining 12 games is to ensure that doesn’t happen again, and Pickering insists: “It’s important not to get carried away.

“We have a tough game (against Sheffield United) and some tough games coming up, so we have to keep concentrated because we’re in a good position in the league.

“We’re right in the mix and if we can keep that level of consistency and keep our feet on the ground and keep working hard I can’t see why we can’t push into the play-offs.

“We will do our best, you have seen the support the fans have given us and it’s much appreciated.

“If they can continue that then we’ll try and repay that on the pitch.”

The sides meet in the Championship on Saturday lunchtime, but face each other again later this month in the FA Cup quarter final in South Yorkshire.

Though the 24-year-old doesn’t think tomorrow’s game will be much of an insight into what lies ahead.

“It could tell us a little bit, but I’m sure both games will be very difference, so we have to focus on this one and the games coming up and a few days before that we will focus on the quarter finals,” Pickering added.

The left back missed the Blackpool win with a tight hamstring, and said of the schedule: “It’s been tough to be fair.

“Before the winter break we were trying to cram the games in, it was Saturday-Tuesday most weeks, we have a good squad, a strong squad, and when players miss out there are others ready to come in.”