Nigel Clough wants insider info from Farrend Rawson ahead of Mansfield Town's clash at Forest Green Rovers

The Stags boss will be quizzing defender Farrend Rawson, who moved from Rovers in the summer, about some of the strengths and weaknesses in Mark Cooper's squad.

"I've played against Mark's teams over the years. Always a stern test," explained Clough ahead of his first League Two contest of the campaign.

"I think we'll be talking to Farrend Rawson, who was there last season. I'll have a quick chat with him about Forest Green.

"We've not seen a lot of the opposition this season yet, so we're playing catch up a bit."

The Stags hit the road on the back of two cup wins, and hope to get their first three points of the League Two campaign.

The two opponents have enjoyed differing starts to the season, Rovers currently sit third with Mansfield third-bottom.

But Clough believes the weekend offers a chance for his side to see how they compare to one of the highfliers.

He added: "It's a good challenge to have a look at a teams who have done so well.

"I think they're a good benchmark for us. Mark's been there a few seasons now, established a pattern of play and a squad where they're always in the top half, always looking to get into the play-offs at least.

"I think that's the position we want to be in, hopefully this time next season.

"It's certainly a tough test for us."