Byron Anthony is confident Rovers can go to Vicarage Road this evening and give Watford a run for their money.

The defender believes the Pirates have what it takes to do well against Championship sides, and is hoping for a repeat of last season's Carling Cup opening round victory against Crystal Palace.

Rovers kicked off the season with a 3-2 home loss against Carlisle United at the weekend, and Byron knows it's important the players put that result behind them.

"A couple of years ago we lost 4-1 on the opening day to Peterborough, and we ended up getting promoted," Byron told bristolrovers.co.uk.

"So yes it was a disappointing start to the season, but we've got a chance tonight to bounce straight back.

"Watford are a great team that came down from the Premier League not so long ago, and they'll be looking to go back up this season.

"It will be a good test for us, but we're confident we can go there, push on, and do well against them and maybe get a result. Last season we beat Crystal Palace on penalties in the same round of the cup, so we're looking forward to a good contest."

From a defensive point of view, Byron knows Rovers will have to be better today than they were against Carlsile.

"You never like to concede three goals in any game, and on the opening day of the season at home especially," he said, "But we've worked hard in training, we've looked at what we got wrong collectively, and we'll be going out tonight concentrating on getting our defending right.

"We had a good start on Saturday, and after we scored the first goal we thought we could push on and score again. But to concede three or four minutes after killed us a bit, and it gave them the momentum. If we score the first goal tonight, we need to make sure we learn from what happened at the weekend."

Byron is set to continue alongside Steve Elliott in the back four tonight, but he knows that too many repeats of the defensive display against Carlisle could see his position in the team come under threat.

"I feel ready for the season, I'm fresh and if I keep doing well then hopefully I can retain my place," he said, "But competition in the squad is tough for every position, and you've got to play very well every game to keep your shirt.

"It's good for the team to have that level of competition, and you know if you don't perform well then there is someone that can come in and take your place."