THE masterly start to Michael Duff’s burgeoning managerial career at Cheltenham Town isn’t a surprise to former Burnley team-mate Joseph Mills.

The duo will lock horns as friendly enemies on Saturday with captain Mills leading Forest Green up the M5 for the first instalment of the eagerly- anticipated ‘El Glosico’.

“I’m not surprised how Duffo (Michael Duff) has done at Cheltenham,” said Mills. “We played together at Burnley and remain good friends to this day. It was clear to see when he took over last season, he was starting to implement his style of play and they’ve really kicked-on this term.”

Both Rovers and Cheltenham are in rude health going into the game. The Robins sit in third, a point above the Green Army and Mills anticipates a high-octane clash at a packed Jonny Rocks Stadium.

Mills, who scored in the 1-1 draw at the New Lawn last season, said: “Derby games are always intense. The games are always special for the fans who grow up with it and the players who tasted it last season know what the atmosphere is like to play in.”

Mills is mindful of the menaces Cheltenham have in their squad.

“Cheltenham have threats all over the park. They’re solid at the back and the wing-backs like to get forward and get crosses in and Ryan Broom is on a hot patch of form along with the experienced Luke Varney up top, but we will give Cheltenham plenty to think about.”