Michael Travis has backed stand-in Stewart Petrie to become Forfar Athletic’s manager on a permanent basis.
Substitute Kerr Hay climbed off the bench to earn the Loons a valuable point at Cliftonhill on Saturday after Paul Willis had given Rovers a half-time lead.
It is now 12 games and more than three months since the Angus outfit, lying third-bottom of the table, last won in League One.
However, Travis believes there will be plenty to encourage the club’s new boss, following Dick Campbell’s sacking, and feels Petrie, who took the team in Coatbridge, deserves a crack at the job.
The 22-year-old defender said: “SP told us before the game that it was about pride and it was great to get the point and show the sort of fight we need to get up this league.
“You know what you are going to get coming here. Rovers are doing really well. They have put together a good team and this was a test of character for us.
“I think the club would be making a good decision if they went with SP. The boys would agree that his training is sharp, fast-paced and he was exactly the same when coach at Arbroath.
“The boys know what he is all about but it’s up to the chairman at the end of the day.
“We all know SP quite well and there is a bond. We just have to keep playing. We have quality in the changing room and we can get up this league.”
Loons keeper Rab Douglas was beaten in the 42nd minute with Willis superbly volleying home a Gary Fisher cross.
The home side had a glorious chance to double their lead early in the second half when young striker Callum McRobbie was clean through but Douglas made a vital block.
And Rovers were made to pay for their wastefulness in the 76th minute when Hay fired home his fourth goal of the season with the aid of a deflection.
Forfar had a chance to win it six minutes from time but Iain Campbell’s free-kick flew just over the bar.
Forfar caretaker manager Petrie said: “It has been a difficult week with what has gone on but I thought we got a great reaction from the players.”