Another victory is no Don deal against high-flying Rovers

Doncaster Rovers defender Niall Mason has issued a warning to Sunderland – hinting the Black Cats should not underestimate them.

The two teams lock horns in the league for the first time since 1988 with both clubs occupying an early League One playoff spot with just under a quarter of their matches completed.

Only one point separates Doncaster and Sunderland but Jack Ross’ side, who sit in third with one game in hand, will be leapfrogged by today’s hosts should they record a victory at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Grant McCann’s men, so far, have fared well against teams in and around the top six, earning draws against the top two – Portsmouth and Peterborough United – and defeating Luton Town and Walsall earlier in the month.

And for that reason, rightis back Mason confidence of upsetting Sunderland and their travelling 4,000 contingent. “We know the game against Sunderland will be tough,” admitted Mason. “There isn’t much between the two sides in terms of league position.

“We’ve done well against teams in and around us so far this season, so we take a lot of confidence from that.”

Meanwhile, boss McCann is playing down the visit of the former Premier League side, insisting it’s just another game.

The 38-year-old has faith that his side can hurt Sunderland with 24 goals to their name so far.

He said: “We’re treating the game against Sunderland as just another game. We’ll worry about us and do the basics right.

“We’re looking dangerous again and we’ve scored five goals in our past two games, so we’re in a good place.”