Paul Warne talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United boss Paul Warne could welcome back club captain Lee Frecklington for this weekend’s hosting of table-topping Shrewsbury Town, while defender Joe Mattock is once again available following suspension.
The influential midfielder has been missing since sustaining an injury in the Sky Bet League One encounter at Rochdale but could be involved as Paul Hurst’s side visit AESSEAL New York Stadium on Saturday.
“I've had Frecks back all week which is a massive boost,” Warne told www.themillers.co.uk.
“I think the world of my captain anyway and it's no surprise when the team does better when he's in it.
“He's a little bit sharper and a little bit more confident in his issue so that's good.
“He's smiling and he's running around the place as usual. We've got to calm him down in training a little bit possibly and then build him up for Saturday and hopefully he'll play a part in the game.”
Meanwhile, Warne will once again have the services of former Sheffield Wednesday full back Mattock at his disposal again and says it is likely that he will reassume the berth on the left hand side of the defence on Saturday, with Ben Purrington still sidelined.
“I've got a lot of time for Joe and I've probably been his biggest fan since he's been at the club,” Warne continued.
“I like Joe and he does give us balance, he is mature and he can play. A left-footed left back is a right bonus these days so he'll probably slot straight back in. He's been looking good in training and he played 60 minutes in the reserves in midweek, so he's not game-shy.
“Ben hasn't joined in with full training yet so he won't be in contention.”
Former Shrewsbury Town livewire Jon Taylor could miss out on the chance to take on his old employers while Warne will also be posed with a decision to make between the sticks with Marek Rodak returning from international duty to compete with Richard O’Donnell.
“Tayls looks like he might be ruled out. He's a little bit sore and we'll monitor him but I think he's a massive doubt,” he revealed.
“We've got a few with niggles and aches and pains but you're always going to have that. I don't think I have any real issues to contend with.
I”'ve got Marek back. Pricey has fractured his finger and dislocated it so he's had to have a pin in his finger, so he'll be out for a few weeks. Luckily that coincides with Marek coming back.”