Steve Evans post Huddersfield Town...
Rotherham United manager Steve Evans’ big selection calls paid off after a comprehensive 2-0 success at Huddersfield Town.
The Millers boss gave debuts to Danny Lafferty and Farrend Rawson as his side moved nine points clear of the relegation zone thanks to goals by Kari Arnason and Conor Sammon.
The Millers boss was delighted with his side's performance in the wake of the win in West Yorkshire:
“It’s a big win and one we needed," he enthused.
"It was a proper response to what happened in midweek. We come today and manager’s have to make some big decisions. I come from a background where fortune favours the brave. Our defending has not been good enough but the back five and the 18-year-old lad we had did superbly but we were good to a man today."
Rawson’s move from Derby was announced just two hours prior to kick off but the teenager put in a towering performance at the John Smith’s Stadium.
“He’s a guy I’ve seen on three or four times with my own eyes. He’s a young man, who is brave and gets his head on things. The defence was marshalled superbly by Smallwood, Arnason and Frecklington.
“We were settled at the back today. They won their headers and cleared their lines. I’m really pleased. Kirk has used his experience and talked a young man through the game.
“We had a real good shape about us in the last stages of the game and players are now playing for their shirts. I get fantastic support here and the 18-year-old will not be the only one coming in."
Evans was without duo Paul Green and Danny Ward who were missing after picking up knocks in training, but he is hopeful to have Green and captain Craig Morgan back for next weekend’s clash with Wigan Athletic.
"Danny Ward might be 10 days but he might be next week. Paul Green will certainly be next week as will Craig Morgan. We’ll have a good look in the week but it’ll be good to have our captain back, particularly with Lee Frecklington missing."