Andy Mangan warns 'monster in the league' that Bristol Rovers 'will take off' if victorious at Derby County

Andy Mangan looks ahead to Bristol Rovers' League One encounter at Pride Park where they will take on the "monster" in Derby County this weekend.

Rovers head into the game only four points off Saturday's host, who sit three places above Mangan's side in seventh.

"Every team obviously poses different threats, but Derby County are an enormous club," said Mangan.

"They are a monster in the league, the stadium is fantastic, they've got a fantastic team to choose from, they've got a manager and a coaching staff there who are experienced in getting promoted, but with that comes a little bit of pressure as well," he added.

The last time the two sides met in the East Midlands the Ram's came out on top winning 4-2, as David McGoldrick scored a hat-trick. Mangan will be keen to make amends this weekend with his side unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions.

"We're obviously in really good form at the moment, they've had a couple of indifferent results but that doesn't make us prepare for them any less," said the interim boss.

"We are prepared for the best Derby County who are a fantastic side, so for me it's exciting."

The 37-year old believes that the travelling faithful have a big part to play if his side are going to pick up any points on the road.

"I think the fans should be delighted, I'm sure they'll travel in their numbers like they did to Reading and Carlisle, incredible.

"Once we beat one of those sides who are a monster in the league, I believe this group will take off and I think we're only around the corner from a result like that," said Mangan. Both County and The Gad will see this weekend as a must win in their respective hunts for promotion into England's second-tier, a division the Ram's supporters know extremely well.

"We're obviously fighting for the same thing, I believe they're fighting for play-offs.

"They've come into the season with ambitions to get automatic promotion, as Derby County the size of the club and the experience of some of the players that they've got."

With numerous key players returning to the first-team from spells out injured, Mangan has a tough task in terms of team selection ahead of the weekend.

"Saturday will be an incredible test for us, one that we're all really excited for.

"We're very confident, we've got a fantastic squad, we have got lads coming back now fit, it's difficult to pick the squad let alone picking the staring XI, so it is an exciting time for the club."