BISHOP'S Cleeve will welcome Football League opposition to Kayte Lane this evening when Bristol Rovers visit in the quarter-finals of the Gloucestershire Senior Challenge Cup.

With a home tie against Bristol City awaiting the winners in the semi-finals and the Villagers on a good run of form, manager Paul Collicutt is relishing the tie.

"We have a few young lads and some senior pros who relish the chance to play against professional players and a good team like Rovers," said Collicutt.

"We enjoy playing the games against Cheltenham Town every year and we'll look forward to this one as well.

"The only problem is that there's a full League programme this week so we'll fall even further behind."

Rovers were in Coca-Cola League One action against Walsall last night and it is doubtful that any of their regular first-team squad members will be in the travelling squad.

However, with the Gas joining a number of lower League clubs in pulling out of a reserve league, some fringe first-team squad members and promising young players may be given a run-out.

Whatever the strength of the Rovers side, they are sure to face a Cleeve side bubbling with confidence after a good recent run, and a solid performance in drawing 0-0 at Paulton Rovers on Saturday.

"It will be a good test for my players and I would probably prefer to play a game than have a training session," said Collicutt.

"We are in good form in the League and someone told me that we haven't lost a League game for three months now.

"That shows the character of the lads and we were desperately unlucky not to win at Paulton as their keeper made some unbelievable saves."

Defenders John Cant and Dan Avery picked up knocks on Saturday and will miss the game as will midfielder Adam Mayo who serves a one match suspension.

Player/assistant manager Alex Sykes is cup-tied having played for Gloucester City in their 4-0 victory against Cheltenham Town in October.