& & & McGhee was named Bristol Rovers manager on Wednesday&

Bristol Rovers defender Adam Virgo says new manager Mark McGhee has the credentials to turn the club around.

Virgo, 28, played under McGhee during their time at Brighton and was part of the squad that won promotion to the second tier in 2003/04.

"I always felt he had the best CV to take the club forward," Virgo told BBC Radio Bristol.

"The chairman has seen that and hopefully the fans can see he's here to make the club better."

Virgo continued: "Mark's a fantastic guy and a good manager. He's honest with the players and is a very good man manager.

"He can make you feel a million dollars and has a good way of talking to players."

McGhee was drafted in following the sacking of Paul Buckle on 3 January, and takes charge of his first game on Saturday at Cheltenham with the Pirates sat 18th in League Two, six points above the drop zone.

And Virgo, who is sidelined until the end of the season with a knee injury, has warned that the Rovers squad should prepare to be tested by the former Aberdeen boss.

"He is very hard working," said Virgo. "Pre-season is very hard and I'm sure it won't be any different this year.

"He gave me the worst pre-season I've ever had in my career. I speak to people and they say good luck - I thought those days were over.

"He feels that what is best for the club. But if it makes us a better team and a fitter team and brings us success then I'm sure the players won't mind running a few extra laps."