MANSFIELD Town boss David Flitcroft was complimentary of Forest Green and boss Mark Cooper, likening them to a Championship club.

Flitcroft's Mansfield head to the New Lawn on Saturday with an unbeaten away record which Rovers will be looking to end in a bid to leapfrog their play-off rivals this weekend.

The Stags boss is a fan of Forest Green's eco concept and has been impressed with how they've performed this season.

"I love the whole concept of the club and what they are trying to do," said Flitcroft. "They are trying to be different and make it sustainable.

“A plan only works when you get the right manager and Mark is a visionary.

"He lives for football and loves football. He is a fantastic coach and probably the right fit for them, he improves players and I have a lot of time for the work they do down there.

“The football they play is excellent and expansive – they move it through the pitch.

“Giving the manager that time has allowed him to understand what the league means, having spent time in the Conference."

Flitcroft also praised Dale Vince for his ambition for the club and for backing his manager last season and in the transfer market. He also likened Rovers to a Championship club.

“Cooper is being invested in and is being backed," added Flitcroft.

"With the recruitment drive they've got and their infrastructure, they gear up behind the scenes like a Championship club.

“The owner has a unique vision – it's his own – and he has the right manager to back that up.

“They are up there on merit – they really are. They've been consistent.

“They are progressing as a football club and they are progressing as a football team.”