The Iron were relegated from the second tier of English football last May just 12 months after being promoted as League One champions.

But speaking after seeing his side draw 1-1 with Rovers in Saturday's pre-season friendly at the Keepmoat Stadium, Adkins said: "I think that they will equip themselves very well.

"I think that Doncaster are a top side and that is why I was delighted to play them today.

"They are very good at keeping possession and that is important in the Championship. The Championship is quicker but if you have the ball you dictate the tempo.

"If Doncaster play like they did last season they will put themselves in a great position to win games because they play football.

"Set plays are always going to be a key factor. We found last season that a lot of teams have good plays at set pieces.

"I would love to think that they will do well because we are only just down the road so to speak, and I like the way they play."

Reflecting on the game, Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll said:"There was plenty of endeavour and enthusiasm; we just lacked a bit of organisation and that is obviously something will come as pre-season continues.

"Most of the players had 45 minutes and some had a bit longer. It is a long season and we are trying to build for August 9.

"I thought that the first half team learnt as the game went on and, as usually happens, the game slowed down a bit in the second half and became a little easier."

Rovers fell behind after just three minutes and didn't equalise until four minutes from time when Stuart Elliott punished a defensive mistake just outside the box.

"Stuart is a renowned goal scorer and he'll be pleased to get off the mark by lobbing the keeper even if it was a bit of a dolly for him," said O'Driscoll.

Fans hoping to see midweek signing Darren Byfield in action were disappointed.

Explained O'Driscoll:"We had a tough session on Friday and Darren felt his groin a little bit so we just pulled him out as a precaution.

"He's joined us two weeks into pre-season and although he had been trying to keep himself fit (while he got himself fixed up with a new club) he found it a little bit tough going."

Rovers gave a run out to former Celtic defender Steve Pressley and he did his chances of picking up a contract with another club no harm by taking the sponsors' man-of-the-match award.

"He's experienced and he's captained his country so he wasn't going to be fussed by playing in a pre-season game," said O'Driscoll. Asked whether the 34 year-old would feature in tomorrow's game at Morecambe, O'Driscoll said: "It is down to him. He came down Friday and trained with us and played today.

"We'll have to discuss what his plans are. A number of clubs came to have a look at him so we'll have to wait and see."

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