David Pipe admits he didn't expect to figure in the opening game of the season just a few weeks ago.

The midfielder is likely to start in the right-back position for tomorrow's opening clash of 2008/09 against Carlisle United, a role he's filled many times before during his time at Notts County.

David had been looking at a place on the substitutes bench, but now he says he's been given a chance he's determined not to waste.

"To be honest in pre-season it looked like I wasn't going to be in the starting 11," David told bristolrovers.co.uk, "There were a few different reasons, although that's down to the manager.

"I missed a few games in pre-season with a broken nose that came from an accident in training and the gaffer tried different people in different positions. But the last two games I think I've played well and it looks as though through injuries that I'm going to be involved.

"Hopefully I've done enough to be included, and if I play to the standards he wants then I can keep my place and I won't be moved."

If David does start at right-back, it will mean different responsibilities to those he's previously been used to.

"I'm hoping that's the case and I'm looking forward to playing right-back if that's where the gaffer puts me," he said, "I played there at Notts County for a spell about four months before I came to Rovers, and I really enjoyed it there.

"It's a different position to the right side of midfield, and the first priority is to defend the goal. But I'll still look to get forward when I can, although I'll have to pick my opportunities carefully.

"Over the years I've played in virtually every position in my career - up front, in defence, in midfield - although I haven't played in goal yet!"

As for the season ahead, David is hoping Rovers can make more of an impression on the league this time around.

"I've had another year under my belt, so that's another year of experience for me," he said, "I enjoyed last season, but this year I'd like to see us further up the league.

"The cup is always a bonus, but we want to be challenging for success at the top of the division and we're confident we can do that."