Paul Warne pre-Reading...
Rotherham United head into tomorrow’s Bank Holiday Monday clash with Reading looking to build on their second half showing which earned a 1-1 draw with Birmingham on Good Friday.
Boss Paul Warne confirmed that there were no fresh injury concerns from Friday’s draw, confirming that all three changes made against Gianfranco Zola’s Blues were tactical.
Reading come into the game after boosting their play-off ambitions with a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday, but Warne’s side may have a slight edge after enjoying 24 hours extra rest from their last league game.
With midfielder Joe Newell taking a bang on his knee during the first-half against Birmingham, Warne established that the knock had nothing to do with his substitution at half-time, with Newell set to be in the squad for tomorrow’s trip to the Madjeski Stadium.
“Joe Newell’s substitution was a tactical decision,” Warne confirmed.
“I just felt that we needed to freshen things up. All of my subs against Birmingham were purely tactical, there were no injury issues.
“The lads were joking after the Birmingham game saying can they have a lie in, but we had them back in for the morning, it wasn’t a night game so there is no excuse. I think they were pretty pleased that they got a point, but we will dust them down and then see what we are like on our travels.”
Warne will be looking to build on what was an important point against Birmingham, as he looks to build some momentum going into next season.
He again praised his side’s attitude in what was a battling display, and he will be looking for more of the same as the Millers look to spring a surprise result at the Madjeski.
“I thought the character of my side was excellent,” he added. “It would be easy for them to down tools, and I hear the staff of the opposition telling me all the time that they are working hard for us, and we are setting up well. We just sometimes lack that little bit of quality.
“Although we could have taken all three points I am still taking massive pride in our attitude. We did have a right go, and we are pretty buoyant to be honest.”