Paul Warne talks to www.themillers.co.uk ahead of the trip to Shrewsbury Town...
Rotherham United manager Paul Warne was on iFollow Millers duty on Monday morning ahead of the trip to Shrewsbury Town for Tuesday's Carabao Cup game at Montgomery Waters Meadow.
Warne spoke to the club reflecting on the Lincoln City defeat, team news and the challenge of facing the Shrews, with full video content available shortly HERE on iFollow Millers…
Warne's Lincoln City reflections...
"I think the lads' effort to try and get back into the game was misdirected, as in they got more desperate and our game got a bit uglier in the second half, which isn't us.
"It isn't a criticism of the lads. They're so desperate to win maybe that overtook their emotions.
"We started the game really well and I think they only had one attempt on our goal in the first half and Crooksy was off the pitch injured at the time and the ball went where he would have been. That was a little bit unfortunate but we still should have defended it better.
"Our overall play in the first half was enough for us to go in two or three up and that might have been enough. Obviously I'm disappointed to lose a football game, especially at home, but that's how sport is.
"I think we have to get used to the expectation levels being higher this year than last year, so the lads have to adjust to that pressure and I think teams come up and play a different way.
"Teams will come and camp in and we've got to learn to be patient. We'll live and learn and hopefully improve as the season progresses.
Warne on team news...
"There were a couple or three that weren't fully fit but fortunately played. Joe Mattock had bad ribs and then he got another bang on them early on, so that definitely affected him.
"Generally speaking, I think there are a few walking wounded no doubt but we'll wrap them up again so to speak and get them out on the grass, have a look at them and decided how we're going to go for Tuesday night.
"They're not the group that if they had a sore rib or ankle they'd just say playing wasn't for them, they want to play and they know that they have to turn up because if not, they'll be replaced because the squad is pretty strong.
"They all want to keep in the team, which is good because with Trevor and Billy being out we have an issue with full backs.
"Billy [Jones] had an injection at the weekend and he was pleased because it wasn't as painful as he thought! I'm hoping he will be on the grass today or tomorrow but hopefully he will join in the squad this week.
Warne on ongoing quest for new acquisitions...
"I don't know if I've mentioned it, but we're lacking wide players.
"Once our two full backs are back fit it gives us a few more options. I think we need a centre half, that is apparent.
"We definitely need a wide outlet. On Saturday it would have been nice to have a wide one and it would have given us a different impetus in attack and it would allow us to manipulate the formation when need-be.
Warne on trialist situation...
"Nothing has changed really on that. We've had Zak [Dearnley] in but unfortunately because of the games being Saturday and Tuesday, like today isn't a full out training session, it is more tactics and prep.
"Thursday will be a recovery/prep day and Friday will be a prep day, so it is really hard to give him a fair crack of the whip.
"I've been really honest with him and said if you've got something elsewhere more permanent, then I wish you luck, but if you want to stay here and try and fight for a contract then you're more than welcome.
"He has definitely got something. Whether it is enough, I don't know yet.
"We need to see him in a game environment, which might be the week after but whether he's still here then or not, I don't honestly know.
Warne on Shrewsbury cup clash...
"It will feel like a League One game for us really. That's the strange thing. If we were going to play elsewhere against someone in another division it would feel different, but going to Shrewsbury it seems like both teams know each other really well.
"It will feel a little bit stranger being a cup game, but in every game we try to set up to win.
"We haven't tapped into him [Carlton Morris] at all, but we haven't even mentioned it to the players because of the Lincoln game. We'll have a meeting today and perhaps tap into his knowledge on Shrewsbury a little bit.
"We asked Matt [Olosunde] for the Man United game but that didn't really help me, so I don't know if that's an omen to go by!
"In fairness, they're all the players that we know. Carlton may know them personally and may have a bit more insider but I don't really like putting players in those sorts of positions if I can help it.
"They have been playing a 3-5-2 and they have added to the squad pretty well.
"They have some good individuals and they have got youth and experience, so they have got a nice little mix.
"I really like their manager, I think he's a really good, solid bloke. He's a decent human being and after tomorrow night I'll be wishing him all the best for the rest of the season.
"They're a good League One club who will have a good season and I think it will be a tough game for us.