Paul Warne talks to iFollow Millers ahead of the home game against Aston Villa...
Rotherham United boss Paul Warne was quickly back on iFollow Millers press duties following the win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
He was back at the training ground this morning to discuss a crucial three points against Forest, an update on the injury front, to discuss the challenge of facing Aston Villa and to speak about a recent trialist at the club.
Remember full video content is available shortly HERE on iFollow Millers…
Warne on the vital win over Nottingham Forest…
“We caused our own problems a couple of times, but it was especially good that they bounced back after the week before.
“I thought apart from Grabban's chance where Marek made a good save, their other big chance was down to an error in our play.
“The lads bounced back. It is an excuse but we need our best players out there. If we do, we have a better chance of winning.
“The lads found a way to win and deserved it.”
Warne on players ‘doing a job’ out of position and full back and injury updates…
“They've all played different positions and they've all done well. Centre half to full back isn't like playing a different sport but it was good for their confidence and our belief in the group.
“I think Joe Mattock is good but I'm not sure about Billy. I'm not sure he'll train today.
“We won't do a great deal today but we'll put some information into them about how we think Aston Villa will play.
“I don't want to show too many of my cards, but I don't take too many risks with anyone. I love Zak and if Billy isn't fit, there will be no issues for me. He's a different type of player.
“Otherwise, I don't see any issues greater than aches and pains that are normal. They'll go into it with a bit of confidence and see how they get on.”
Warne on maintaining intensity as games come thick and fast…
“I think we stick to what we know and how we want to work.
“If you lay off them a little bit there is a danger they can go soft.
“We always try and get two days training into them before a game and that won't change, we might have to flip the days a little bit.”
Warne on a mammoth performance from Michael Smith and his importance to the Millers…
“I think his hold-up play and general menace was pretty impressive.
“I think when he's fully on-song, I don't think there are many better in the league to be honest.
Warne on Vaulks’ PFA Player in the Community award…
“From a footballing side, I think he's very influential, not just for what he does but for what he demands from other people.
“As a human being, he's a great kid. Out of a dressing room full of great human beings he's probably the best one. It's great kudos for him but for us as a club.
“His banter at half time was quite good [with Roy Keane]. He gets under people's skin, it’s better that he's on our team!”
Warne’s update on trialist Julien Lamy…
“We're still speaking to his agent. We should be able to announce something one way or the other.”
Warne on facing Aston Villa and importance of home crowd again…
“It should be a good game. We're a good home side and we need to take the game to them, but they're virtually a Premier League side.
“We need a little bit of Lady Luck and we need to take our chances. As always, I plea the fans to stay behind the team. It makes a massive difference at home as we've seen.
“It's always exciting at New York.
“I think our fans are really vocal and the lads need all the help that they can get. I played for years and I know what a difference people cheering you on make. They do respond well to praise.”
Warne on Jack Grealish and other Villa talents…
“He's probably the best player in the league. It's no surprise since he's come back their form has improved.
“They've got more than that throughout the team though and their front five is pretty effective to say the least.
“I know that we're formidable against any team and hopefully we can give them enough problems.”