Budtz bids to test old pals

Budtz, whose contract was not renewed at the end of last season, was one of three first-team keepers to leave the club during the campaign.

The Dane played in the final two games of last season following a loan spell at Wolves.

The man who came off the bench when Andy Warrington broke his leg will always be remembered by Rovers fans for saving three spot kicks when helping the League One club beat Manchester City on penalties in their 2005-2006 Carling Cup tie at Belle Vue.

Budtz was on the bench in United's 2-1 defeat at relegated Luton last Saturday, but was preferred to Arran Lee-Barrett in their Carling Cup win at Scunthorpe in midweek.

"Jan was excellent on Tuesday, he made some great saves, he commanded his box and also kicked very well," said manager Danny Wilson.

"Arran did likewise on Saturday and it is a great dilemma to have.

"I would much rather have two guys in form than one getting the shirt purely because the other has played poorly. "

Wilson said: "We have been given a tough opening week but I think Doncaster could be the toughest yet.

"I rate them very highly. I have watched them a couple of times and they have a lot of quality. We will really have to be on our mettle if we want to get the three points.

"They are a good footballing side, they get the ball down and they have tremendous movement.

"But we have got the ability and if we show the same team spirit as we did at Scunthorpe, there's no reason we can't get the result."

Rovers, who won 3-1 at Victoria Park in the Johnstone's Paints Trophy last season, could be unchanged for the third game if defender James O'Connor and midfielder James Coppinger are both available.

Like his United counterpart, Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll is expecting a keenly-contested encounter.

"It is Hartlepool's first home game since winning promotion and they will be looking to do well in front of their own supporters." he said.

"They have started the season well - though they probably played better when losing at Luton than they did when beating Scunthorpe.

"But they are a good side and Danny has made some good signings.

"They also like to play good football on what should be a nice pitch.

"I have been pleased with how we have played in our first two games and although we might change the way we play today because we are away from home, the gameplan and the tactics will remain the same."