Paul Warne talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United striker Jamie Proctor looks set to play a part in tomorrow’s pre-season friendly at Mansfield Town.
The former Bolton front-man has been sidelined with a cruciate knee injury which prematurely ended what had been a promising start to his debut campaign for the Millers.
After battling his way back for the start of pre-season, the 26-year-old has been slowly building up his game time which included appearances in behind closed doors friendlies against Grimsby Town and Leeds United U23s.
Now Warne has confirmed he is likely to give Proctor some game time at Field Mill, in the last pre-season outing before the big kick-off on August 4th.
"Jamie Proctor will be in the squad and hopefully we can give him some game time,” Warne told www.themillers.co.uk
“That will help his progress because he is still three or four games away from being somewhere where we need him to be. He played really well against Leeds behind closed doors, so if he can perform at Mansfield that will be another box to tick.”
With six players signed during the close season, Warne is close to finalising his squad but remains in the market to strengthen his midfield before the end of the window.
Whilst more additions are expected, the manager stressed he is happy to go into the season with what he has at his disposal, with places still up for grabs as Warne continues to mull over his opening day line-up.
"I think whichever team I start with is pretty strong,” he added.
“I don't think I am carrying any players that I don't believe can play in the first 11 at Brentford. I still have a few decisions to make on a few players, and I am not one of those who think I have to play my starting 11 for next week tomorrow. We didn't do that last season, and I won't do it this season.
“I'll just give the lads an opportunity, I'll be taking around 20 players and they'll all go on the grass at some stage. I won't underestimate Mansfield, I want to want to win the game. The lads haven't lost in pre-season so we want to continue with that, so we will go out with a strong side and I know whichever 11 I go with, I am confident that they can perform.”