Paul Warne talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Interim manager Paul Warne has backed his players to embrace tomorrow’s Championship challenge against Newcastle United.
The Millers will be underdogs for the game at St. James’ Park as Warne’s side go out to cause an upset against Rafael Benitez’s league leaders.
Rotherham will go into the game with renewed confidence after the morale boosting victory over Norwich last Saturday, and Warne says his side will hold no fear about taking on the Championship’s pace setters.
“I am well aware of the enormity of the task, but we will embrace it and there is no pressure on us,” Warne told www.themillers.co.uk
“We will enjoy the challenge and see where it takes us.
"The lads are excited, and so they should be. If you are not excited about going to play at the likes of Newcastle then you are in the wrong job. They know they how big a task it is, but I think that they are looking forward to going toe-to-toe with the best.”
The Toon Army made several changes to their side for the midweek FA Cup replay against Birmingham City.
Warne will expect a full strength Newcastle side to lie in wait tomorrow, and picked out returning England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey as one of many dangers to his side’s chances of a result.
"They are a really good attacking side,” Warne added.
“The wingers cut in and the full-backs go around. They have pace; Shelvey plays like a quarterback and picks out passes all day long. The players make runs because they know he will find them. The game I went to see they only had four of their regular side playing, and the game was out of sight within 20 minutes against Birmingham's first team.”
The Millers have sold out the away allocation, with Warne acknowledging the contribution from a 3,000 plus strong following.
"We will have great support behind us,” Warne reiterated.
“It is good that we have such a good away following, and we appreciate our fans going up there. It will be a great occasion for them, and I know they will get right behind the lads.”