Farrend Rawson believes teammate Liam Shephard is one of the best right-back's in League Two.

Shephard has played all thirteen of Forest Green's league game so far this season since joining from Peterborough United.

The Welshman had a tough second half at Northampton last weekend after he was involved in an incident with Kevin Van Veen before his error lead to the Cobblers winner, which he later apologised for on social media.

Rawson is confident his teammate will bounce back from his mistake and was full of praise for his fellow defender.

"Shephard's has been one of our best players this season," said Rawson. "He's been so consistent but I personally think he's one of the best right backs in the league.

"Mistakes happen to everyone in football, it's happened to me but football's a tough game. We have a great team spirit and we'll back each other all the way so we're not afraid to stand up and fight because we want to do something this season."

Rawson and Shephard have been part of a back five lately alongside Paul Digby, Nathan McGinley and Joseph Mills. Rawson says he's struck up a good relationship with Digby and McGinley but admitted he's had to acclimatise to playing in a back three.

"We have a good relationship off the pitch and that helps us on the pitch," he said. "They're two really good players, top guys and we all get along well. It's not hard playing with good players.

"We've also got Gavin Gunning who's unlucky not to be playing as well so when the spirit is so good and you have that connection you can add that 10% to your performance.

"I played in a two most of my career, I'm not used to playing in a back three but I'll always rise to a new challenge and try to learn and excel in it. It's coming along nicely, I'm still making one or two mistakes but I'm learning and improving every game and feeling more confident in the position which is only going to benefit me. If the gaffer wants to play a back three or a back seven or back two im always up for it."

Rovers are preparing for the derby against Cheltenham Town on Saturday. Forest Green have a good recent record having not lost to them since promotion to the EFL but the 22-year-old insists the players won't be thinking about that on the day.

"The record is there to see but we don't look at that. It's a derby and good for the fans but we're looking forward to that. We don't want to lose, we'll have a right good go and if we put our game plan to use and all the lads turn up we'll hopefully win the game."