An unsung hero of the Doncaster Rovers side, Gareth Roberts has been a rock in the defence. The full-back has consistently provided the goods for the Rovers this term and admits that Saturday's defeat to Carlisle United was hard to stomach.

"It was a disappointing game. I think that you've got to give a little bit of credit to Carlisle; the way that they played and the way that they stopped me and Jimmy (O'Connor) getting out. Their two wingers were good - they marked Stocky, they marked Richie; they played it well, so you need to give them a little bit of credit. We had some chances at the end and could have nicked a draw."

"The manager said after the game that it was the final ball into the box that let us down. The build-up play was what we always do. We passed the ball well and just couldn't get the final ball into the box and you have to give full credit to the opposition."

"Carlisle did the basics well. We had a look at it and have had a chat. They did it well and have a good home record because of it. They have won a ridiculous amount of games at home and that is what the difference was; they took their chance because of it."

One factor that Gareth attributes to his continued success at Doncaster Rovers, is the ability to focus on his performances following the games - picking out the positives and the negatives through the use of technology.

"There are always DVDs available straight away after the game. I take them home with me; whether they are good games, bad games - we all like to look at them just to see what you did well or what you did wrong. You look at them and you get the knowledge of how to put things right. Everybody is just trying to achieve the same thing."

The rare defeats that the Rovers have suffered this season have been followed up by remarkable come-backs. The defeat against Yeovil Town at Keepmoat Stadium initiated a six game unbeaten run, which consisted of five wins. The next game saw defeat at the hands of Swansea City on home soil, which was followed up by four wins on the bounce up until last Saturday. With that form in mind, the 30-year old Roberts believes that the Tranmere clash could start a similar response.

"We've come back well from defeat before - and confidence going into the game against Tranmere is high. We've been playing well as of late and we've come up against some good teams in recent weeks. Carlisle aren't up there for nothing. When we go to Tranmere, we will be going there for all three points. It will be a difficult game up there; they're on a good run themselves at the moment and they will be hard to break down. They are strong at the back and good going forward. They have some clever players. Obviously we will want to get the result against Tranmere and spring off of that on Tuesday."

For Gareth, it's a return to a former stomping ground. The left-sided player, who started his career at Liverpool - the team he still supports -, joined Tranmere in 1999 following a brief spell at Greek side Panionios. Roberts made 281 appearances for the Prenton Park side, netting 12 goals. Due to his hernia injury - Roberts was unable to face his former side at Keepmoat Stadium earlier in the season.

"It's always good to go back. I do go back quite a bit to watch the games with the wife and the little 'un. I still have a lot of friends and family up there, so it will be great to go back; pick up the win and spend the weekend back home with all the family."

Now delighted to be part of Doncaster Rovers, Gareth admits he's relieved that injuries haven't hampered his season.

"I'm happy with my performances this season. After my injury, it could have been difficult to get my fitness back. But I have got there fully and I am happy with the way things are going and I hope that it continues. That is the kind of player I am, just do my duties every week and that is what you will get from me."