Mills on loan at Rovers

The Manchester City centre-back spent several months on loan at Bournemouth as an 18 year-old during O'Driscoll's time in charge.

Recalled O'Driscoll yesterday: "He was a young lad at the time but he had all the attributes you look for in a defender.

"He is quick, he's strong in the air and he has got good feet. He is also aggressive.

"Because we've got him him for a long period we'll effectively treat him as our own player."

There was speculation yesterday that Rovers have agreed to sign Mills on a permanent basis if his loan period works out well.

But said O'Driscoll:"We have not discussed anything with City, but they would want their money back if he did move on somewhere.

"If, at the end of the six months he is a better player and went back to Manchester City then they will be winners.

"We will also benefit if he plays well during his time here because we will have had good service out of a good player.

"Matt trained yesterday and settled in well. Unfortunately he will not be available for tomorrow's league game at Hartlepool due to the fact that he is completing a three-match ban.

"But at least it will give him time to settle in. Hopefully he will travel up to Hartlepool with us tomorrow and watch the game."

Said the 6ft 3in defender: "I am looking forward to playing here. The team play some good football and it is a nice stadium.

"I was signed by Stuart Pearce in January 2006 and I still have two years of my contract to run.

"You always worry what is going to happen when a new manager comes in and starts spending millions on new players. I think a lot of players did that.

"I don't know what the future holds for me; I am just taking it one game at a time.

"I possibly see my future away from Manchester City, butwe'll have to wait and see what happens.

"Hopefully I can break into the team because it would be nice to have a run of games from now until Christmas.

"I have not been guaranteed a place in the team. I am just going to get my head down and work hard and see what happens.

"I am looking forward to training with the manager because I enjoyed it at Bournemouth; he has different approach.

"Having worked with him before, he knows my game and I know how he operates."

Rovers were handed a long trip to South Devon to face Plymouth in last night's Carling Cup second round draw.

O'Driscoll was due to check on right-back James O'Connor, who missed yesterday's training session due to a stomach bug. today.

James Coppinger looks to be winning his race to be fit for tomorrow's game.