Rotherham United

We caught up with manager Steve Evans this morning as we continue with our 'Gaffer on a Sunday' feature.

First let me say that very often us managers see many different things when we watch a DVD of the match as opposed to giving comment minutes afterwards, but let me add that this morning is not one of them.

The lads played with a real purpose and it has to be said with a real style at times. From the first minute to the last I was delighted with our commitment, our energy, the passion and what came with that, the ability.

Yesterday was very different to most games we will play, they are one of the most direct teams you can face, but in fairness they have had a lot of successful results in playing that way so it was always going to be tough. We passed the ball very well, our movement was good all over the pitch and some of our passages of play was a joy to watch.

We had some really top class individual performances, too many to single anyone out. The lads have worked hard again in preparation and they got the rewards they deserved. We had a real purpose from the first whistle, when we have that desire on the pitch we are a hard team to stop.

Thanks to the supporters of both teams, it was a great atmosphere but it is always great to hear the Millers support in full voice. Like me they are passionate and we all desperately want what they want, we owed them yesterday and that was my immediate thought when David Noble scored his superb goal.

In relation to 'Nobby' he got a kick in the ankle as he struck his shot for the goal. On the other hand Micky felt his groin after he over stretched for a ball just before half-time. It will be a couple of days before we get a proper idea but I am hopeful both will be fine.

Jordan Slew made his full Millers debut, how do you think he did? 

I thought he was excellent from start to finish and he was unlucky not to get a goal his performance deserved. He covered every inch of that New York Stadium pitch, his touch was good and he was a real threat.

I was really delighted to sign him; I have certainly tried enough times. He is a young man who wants to work hard, play football and establish a career in the game, he certainly has a chance.

Yes of course. Frecks had a slight ankle injury but will be available for selection next Saturday.

Scott Shearer is making good progress after his operation; he will be back available for first-team selection in three or four weeks.

Craig Morgan is almost back with us. Subject to no set-backs I am looking at him being available for the weekend we host Chesterfield, that is in two weeks time.

There will be a few but yes it will be a mixture with the youth team.

Some players will be in need of a match, a few others will benefit more from sharper training sessions and making sure they are very fresh as we are about to start a hectic run of matches.

Does the work start now for another tough game against promotion-chasing Burton Albion? 

The work has already started. This morning I watched a recent DVD and I have one more to look at. They are a well organised team, they have many excellent players and a good manager who will have them very efficient.

The players here will work hard again this week and they themselves will know just how tough next Saturday will be, after all they are all tough in League Two. This season, League Two is tougher than it has been for many years, the standard of player is now very high but as I have said many times, we have recruited a great set of players. 

Certainly one of our players should have gone out last Thursday but for some strange reason it never happened. If something happens there or if we have to contend with any injuries then we may have to add to the squad, as despite what some think our squad numbers are low. The likes of Rose, Denton and Walker are kids and this is not the time of place for them, they are coming along but just not ready yet.

Up the Millers!

Steve Evans