Doncaster Rovers v Blackpool: '˜We want another big day out for the fans' - Ben Whiteman

Rovers host Blackpool in the second round tonight after seeing off rivals Scunthorpe United earlier this month.

Whiteman, who finished Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Portsmouth as an emergency goalkeeper, has fond memories of last season’s third round trip to Arsenal - where Rovers valiantly went down 1-0 to the Premier League giants.

And the 22-year-old says the experience at the Emirates Stadium will be a motivating factor against the Tangerines this evening.

“Obviously we’re in League One and you don’t get many chances to play at places like the Emirates,” said Whiteman.

“It does whet the appetite and we want to go and win the game and get a big team away again.

“One of the main things is to try and give the supporters a big day out too.

“We’re all as a whole - the supporters and the players.

“It’s a massive day out for everyone, not just the players. It was good to see the supporters turn up in their numbers at Arsenal. We played okay there too.”

Whiteman emerged from the stalemate with Pompey with plenty of credit after quickly volunteering to finish the game in goal.

Marko Marosi, who was sent off in the 83rd minute for handling outside his area, will serve a one-game ban this evening, opening the door for Ian Lawlor.

“I got a clean sheet so I’d probably go back in goal if it happens again,” joked Whiteman.

“I was happy to help the boys out.

“I felt confident. I don’t really know why because I’ve never gone in net before but I felt all right.

“Marko’s probably saved us the game really because I think if he [Ronan Curtis] goes on and scores it’s 1-0 and we’re up against it.

“Marko made some crucial saves, we can’t forget that.

“I thought we were excellent but it’s just the same story in the final third, we just didn’t take our chances.”