GEORGE Rooney will be casting envious glances at the opposition tonight when his Bromsgrove Rovers side entertain Team Bath in the Dr Martens Western Division (7.45).

While Rooney has to put together his side on a relative shoestring, the third-placed visitors, who are linked with the University of Bath, have the benefit of State funding.

They have recruited several former Football League players who combine playing with degree courses.

Rooney said: "They don't have the problems that we have. They have a big squad and have several ex-League players, and it is hard to come to terms with.

"The rest of us struggle for our finances and we are all out there competing for players."

Rovers remain seventh in the table -- the position they need to finish to be sure of a place in the new-look Premier Division next season -- but slid to a surprise 2-1 home defeat against lowly Bedworth United on Saturday.

Rooney admitted: "We are a bit lightweight at the moment and have had quite a few changes in the last couple of weeks.

"But at a time when we needed to be physically strong, we certainly got outfought.

"We missed a few chances but so did they and although we were leading 1-0, it was a game where we were second best."

Midfielder Grant Beckett returns for Rovers after a one-match suspension, while Rooney is hoping to complete another signing ahead of tonight's game.