Will Vaulks talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United midfielder Will Vaulks believes that he and his relatively young cohort of Millers teammates are not short of the necessary experience to handle the pressure of the Play-offs, as preparations gear up for tomorrow’s semi-final first leg at Glanford Park.
The former Falkirk man, who was involved in three Play-off campaigns north of the border, says that he is confident that Paul Warne’s carefully assembled squad can handle the pressures that will come as they face off with Scunthorpe United over two legs.
“We were talking about this the other day with the lads and I think a lot of us have played in Play-offs or finals,” Vaulks told www.themillers.co.uk.
“I think that's quite important that even though we're a young bunch, we're not too inexperienced.
“I think you see what people are about when you play in games like these and I'm looking forward to it because we haven't had too many tense games this year. There's not been a game that we've gone into thinking if we don't win it then it's a disaster.”
The Millers have recorded victory over the Iron twice in the regular season, but Vaulks is keen to put that to the back of his mind as his side prepare for what he predicts will be a closely-contested encounter at Glanford Park this weekend.
“They're always tense games to play in and we'll need to start the game well on Saturday, bed ourselves in and go from there,” he continued.
“I'm sure we'll have a game plan ready to go to Scunthorpe.
“We'll see what we're about and I'm confident at the moment that we can go there and do well.”
The midfielder was presented with the opportunity to roll out his trademark somersault celebration as he scored the only goal of the game in the final day victory over Blackpool and after comments made in jest from boss Warne about his celebration becoming monotonous, Vaulks joked about mixing it up should he find the net this weekend.
“It's a little bit harsh. I think the only thing I can do is revert back to a 'Shearer celebration',” he explained.
“I think I'll keep it as it is, unless he wants me to throw in another flip but he might be a bit nervous on the sideline!”
After a tough season in 2016/17 in which the Millers were relegated from the Championship, Vaulks has been pleased with the club’s progress this season but has set his heart on promotion this term.
“There's a lot to play for, if the season ended next week we've not really done anything in my opinion, so fingers crossed,” he added.
“I think it makes it even better because of last year really. That's what you want to do as a footballer, play games and win games. I think the biggest thing as well is to play nearly every week. It means a lot to me and I just love playing.”