Paul Warne talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Interim manager Paul Warne says new signing Joel Ekstrand’s experience and professionalism can only benefit his Rotherham United side.
The Swedish international has penned a deal until the end of the season, and concluded his move after passing a medical this afternoon.
The ex-Watford ace, who earned a promotion to the Premier League with the Hornets, has spent this season at Bristol City, but arrives at the AESSEAL New York Stadium to provide vital competition to Warne’s rearguard.
"He will bring some experience, some calmness and strength to our side,” Warne told www.themillers.co.uk
“He is a Swedish lad, and I love Scandinavians. I think their attitude to sport is excellent. He hasn't played as much as he would have liked this year, but he has played a lot of games at Watford. I want to make the point that I haven't signed him because it is past the window, this is a deal that I wanted to conclude before the window, but he was trying to sort out his departure from Bristol City.”
Warne has bolstered his options at the back during the transfer window with Ekstrand joining Cardiff City loanee Semi Ajayi, who made his debut alongside Richard Wood against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night.
With Aïmen Belaïd expected to be back fit shortly, Warne is happy with the options that he has at his disposal.
"We needed strengthening at the back, he is really pleased to come and I think that everyone who has met him today thinks he is a really good bloke, which I like obviously,” he added.
“I think he'll come in and play, but it might take him a couple of weeks to get up to match speed, but that's what we are here for.
"There is some players who are injured to come back, but they will have to fight their way back into the team. If it is hard for them to get in them I'm buzzing because that means the ones in front of them are doing well.”