Darren Moore on how Doncaster Rovers will approach EFL Trophy clash with Bradford City

Although the EFL Trophy tie with Bradford City may fall before that, boss Darren Moore insists the match will be approached with the same focus as any other competitive fixture for his side.

Rovers welcome Stuart McCall’s Bantams to the Keepmoat on Tuesday night for their first game in Northern Group F, four days before the start of their league programme.

And Moore expects maximum effort from all involved.

“It’s a competitive match for Doncaster Rovers,” he said.

“The game will be taken in the most serious, respectful manner as we try to approach every game with the right mentality.

“That has been no different for this one. We’ve prepared for this one as well as we did for the Blackburn game in the Carabao Cup.

“It’s a busy week leading to the start of the season so that will continue.

“Any competition we’re involved in, we want to do well in.

“We’re a professional football club and it’s in our mindset as professional athletes to want to win.

“No matter what game we’re faced with, we prepare as well as we can.

“There’s no such thing as easy games or taking it easy. We apply ourselves to the game as well as we can.”

The two sides met in a friendly early in pre-season and Moore is expecting a tough test from the League Two outfit.

“Bradford are a good team that have been getting progressively better through pre-season, as we have done,” he said.

“Both teams got a good look at each other in pre-season.

“Stuart has got them well-organised and well-drilled. They’re a team that ask you questions and the two lads up top are a real handful.

“I fully expect them to be at the right end of League Two in this coming season.

“It’s going to be a good game for both clubs.”

Moore has rated full backs Reece James and Brad Halliday as 50-50 for the clash.

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