Paul Trollope says he will continue to utilise his squad of players to its full extent as the season progresses.

The first team coach believes that changes to the starting from time-to-time are crucial in ensuring his players stay sharp.

Paul replaced Rickie Lambert and Joe Jacobson with Andy Williams and Lewis Haldane for Saturday's 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest, changes he believes were necessary.

"In some games we will go for a more solid look about us, whereas in other games we like to play with a lot of pace," Paul told bristolrovers.co.uk.

"On Saturday it worked to a certain extent, and we're fortunate enough to have a lot of good players that can play in similar positions but with very different qualities.

"From the club's point of view that is great news, because it means we can change things easily when we need to, be that during a game or from the start.

"Rickie and Joe were disappointed to be left out on Saturday, and that's to be expected because they've played well so far this season. But I said to the players before the season that we've got an 18 or 19-man first team squad here and nobody is guaranteed a starting place.

"Some players will be rested, some players will be rotated, and some players, as always happens in football, will be dropped. But it's important to take whatever happens in the right way, because it's a long season and we are going to need everybody."

Andy Williams currently leads the way at the top of the club's scoring ranks alongside Craig Disley, and the striker will be pressing hard to start on Saturday afternoon.

"Andy's scored two goals for us already, and he should have had another against Crewe as well," said Paul, "We felt against Crystal Palace when he started he didn't hold the ball up well enough, but against Nottingham Forest he did that a lot better.

"His height and pace can be a real asset for us, and we were pleased with his overall contribution on Saturday. We looked after him in pre-season because he's still a young lad, but he's gone an important part to play for us."