Harrogate boss Simon Weaver wants his side to embrace their underdog status against Rovers tonight.

Weaver says it is a label they have become used to in recent years and hopes his players can bring their A game against Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men.

“It is an understandable tag, we have had that tag at every level,” the manager explained. “But we relish being underdogs and having a bit of a chi in our shoulder.

“We love it when people expect us to be soft and flaky, and hopefully we can prove them wrong.”

Harrogate have had an extra day to prepare for the fixture after Rovers’ clash with Watford on Sunday afternoon.

“The other side of it is there is less time to recover for the Barrow game,” Weaver continued. “But we have used the time well, in my opinion, in terms of getting the lads ready for what we expect Blakcburn to throw at us.

“We expect quite a young team but still a team with great ability. They were excellent against Walsall in the previous round and we have to be on it.”

Weaver, who is the longest-serving manager in the EFL with more than 14 years in the hot seat, was impressed with what he saw from a young Rovers side against Walsall in the opening round.

“Every supporter - and we as staff - expect them to be fast with their passing, very expansive and easy on the eye,” he stated. “They can rip you to shreds if you don’t have a good shape about you.

“We have got to be organised as a team, but at the same time we have to use the tight pitch to maximise our strengths to get on the front foot.”

The Harrogate boss admits it can be tough to find a balance between resting players and making too many changes in the cup competitions.

“There is a lot to think about with the Barrow game, the need for everyone to feel valued and feel like they can play an important role, and for them to throw their hat in the ring,” he added.

“What we don’t want to do is drive 11 players into the ground and suffer injuries, which has had a detrimental effect on the team’s chances of doing well in recent seasons.

“We have got to get the balance right and it is a squad game these days. I want everyone to be ready for action.”