Doncaster Rovers: John Marquis targets cup boost against Nottingham Forest

Rovers suffered late disappointment in defeat at Accrington Stanley on Saturday with the defensive errors that plagued them last season proving costly once again.

But, as they prepare to welcome Championship side Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup tonight, Marquis is confident Rovers can quickly get back on track.

“I think between us as players and the staff, we’re confident within ourselves that if we keep playing how we believe is the right way then we will get the results,” Marquis said.

“It’s a long season, a lot of games.

“Just because we’re one game in and we lost, nothing was won or lost on Saturday.

“It’s come May when we need to make sure we’re in the top three.

“A win on Tuesday against a strong side would definitely get everyone’s confidence back up and a belief between ourselves and supporters that we’re actually going to be a team that should be and will be challenging at the top end of the table.”

Marquis is confident Rovers can trouble a Forest side who began their Championship campaign with a 4-3 win over Burton Albion at the weekend.

And while winning promotion to League One is by far Rovers’ biggest priority this season, the forward says the opportunity for a cup run will be snatched with both hands.

He said: “We played against Newcastle in pre-season and we definitely didn’t embarrass ourselves.

“We’re going out to win on Tuesday. We want a cup run.

“The league is our main priority but if we can get through and play some good football, that’s what we need to do.

“It’s about getting the winning mentality back into the football club.

“Hopefully tomorrow night it can start.”

New Forest boss Philippe Montanier wants his side to set their sights on winning the EFL Cup and fulfil a dream of returning the former European Cup winners to a continental competition.