Darren Moore expecting another tricky test from close mate Gareth Ainsworth as Doncaster Rovers host Wycombe Wanderers

Ainsworth will bring his high-flying Wycombe Wanderers side to the Keepmoat on Saturday, renewing acquaintances with Rovers boss Moore.

Born a year apart, the two locked horns as players on a regular basis throughout their storied careers - developing a friendship along the way.

“He was quick and very, very direct and had a keen eye for goal,” Moore said of Ainsworth.

“He had phenomenal workrate, phenomenal desire.

“If you look at his career as a player, he had a wonderful career and he looks like he’s following suit as a manager.

“He’s a personal friend so for Gareth I’m absolutely delighted for him.

“Playing against each other over the years at the many different clubs we’ve both been at.

“It’s over the years with the careers and longevity we’ve both had.

“We always built up that wonderful rapport.

“It was great to see him down there and it’ll be great to see him and his staff on Saturday.

“The team optimises what he’s all about.

“He’s dedicated. I’m glad to see what he’s been able to do.”

Ainsworth adopted a man-marking approach to stifling Moore’s side when they visited earlier in the campaign as Wycombe triumphed 1-0.

And Moore believes a similar approach could await Rovers this weekend.

“They’ll have their own way but it’s possible,” he said.

“They have that in the armour to locking teams out and seeing teams off.

“We’ll wait and see when we kick-off.”