"I don't want to be disrespectful to Derby, but I think that Paul Jewell would agree that Cardiff are a more settled team than Derby," said the Doncaster boss.

"Obviously that gives you more problems because they are all used to playing with each other and they did really well last season.

"Probably not so well as they thought they would do in the league, where they had an up and down season, but they did fantastic in the FA Cup.

"Was I surprised that they did so well in the FA Cup? I would say no because if you watched them they played some good football.

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"They will probably be the best footballing side we've played since we played Swansea at home last season and lost 4-0.

"If you are a good passing side, as they are, you have options on the ball.

"They have got options in the wide areas up front and the two centre-half's and full-backs also get forward.

"That is why it will be difficult, not just for us, but for any team that plays them.

"But they'll be looking at us because we've got people they need to worry about as well.

"It will be intriguing and it will be the first real test for us in this division because we will be up against a team that we know are going to be there or thereabouts at the end of the season."

Having picked up an unexpected three points at Pride Park, O'Driscoll is anxious that Rovers don't squander any advantage gained by losing out today.

Despite Tuesday's disappointing Carling Cup defeat at Notts County,O'Driscoll says that his charges are up for today's game.

"Everybody was level headed after the Derby game and no-one got carried away," he said. "We didn't want to fall foul of complacency, or lack of preparation and all the other little things at Notts Country. May be we were guilty of that, although it didn't feel like that at the time.

"We could have done without extra time but at least we didn't pick up any injuries. We've prepared well for Cardiff."

Today's game will be the first meeting of the two sides since the ill-fated 1997-98 season when Rovers crashed 7-1 at Ninian Park after holding the Bluebirds to a 1-1 draw at Belle Vue earller in the season.

Cardiff, who are reported to be bringing over 2,000 fans to the game, boast a good record in Doncaster and last lost in the town in the 1951-52 season.

Former Leicester City star James Chambers is hoping to make his Keepmoat Stadium debut today.

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"I watched the club's final pre-season game against Bolton and I was both impressed by the stadium and the atmosphere generated," he said.