Manager Paul Warne is in no doubt of the importance of Saturday’s fixture against Reading, but insists whatever the result the season won’t be decided this weekend.
The Millers travel to Berkshire level on points with the Royals, with the sides separated by goal difference in the Championship standings.
The two sides fought out a tight encounter at the AESSEAL New York Stadium earlier in the campaign, with Warne’s side coming from behind to earn a deserved point.
Warne’s side are looking to extend an unbeaten run of four matches going into the contest, and whilst the Millers boss acknowledges three points are vital, he was also quick to emphasise that win, lose or draw, there are still 12 games of the season remaining.
“We want to win it, quite obviously but prior to the Sheffield Wednesday game I was hearing we had to win that one,” Warne told www.themillers.co.uk
“I understand the importance of this fixture, but they are all vital between now and the end of the season.
“We aren't judged with how we are with 12 games left, we are judged how we are at the end of the season.
“If we win Saturday, then brilliant, but we haven't survived anything. If we lose, we'd be disappointed but at the same time we aren't relegated after the weekend.
“There is no drama for me either way. The reality of it, it after the weekend whatever the result we have 12 games remaining to collect as many points as we can to have an amazing end to the season.”
The Millers arrive at the Madejski Stadium having experienced mixed emotions from their recent run of draws. Warne’s side returned from the jaws of defeat to record an impressive 2-2 draw with Hull, despite being 2-0 down at the break, but were pegged back at the weekend by Sheffield Wednesday with the final kick of the game.
For Warne, performances have been impressive and he is in no doubt the last four games have given his side momentum and a platform to build on.
He continued:
“I thought we were good away at Millwall. We were excellent in parts at home to Wigan and I thought we were fantastic all game on Saturday. I understand the disappointment at conceding in the last second, but we can't be disappointed with the performance, effort and commitment of the lads. We caused them no end of problems which is something to build on.
“I do have a group of lads who are together. We try and keep the messages consistent, we motivate them and over the course of the season I think we have been really good. I am really pleased with what we are doing.”