Paul Warne talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United manager Paul Warne will be instructing his side to play on the front foot as the Millers return to league action against Derby County following the international break.
The Millers broke their away day hoodoo recently with victory against Queens Park Rangers, but face another huge test against play-off chasing Derby at Pride Park tomorrow.
With eight games remaining to preserve Championship status, Warne insists his side can sit back explaining his team play their best football when they are on the front foot.
He told www.themillers.co.uk: “We'll go to Derby and give everything we've got, as we do every game.
“I've never been a manager that decides to sit back and just wait, we have to take the game to them. That's the best way we play really, on the front foot. We'll set up that way, we want to win the game as much as they do - it's another opportunity to pull ourselves out of it.
“Hopefully, the fans can travel down, it's not far, to support the team because we'll definitely need it as we always do, and like I said have a right go, and hopefully everyone who turns up, myself included, will be proud to be a Miller.”
Warne was hoping to have defender Clark Robertson available again following a hamstring injury, but revealed yesterday that he is likely to edge on the side of caution with the former Blackpool ace. The Millers manager is also likely to take the same policy with striker Kyle Vassell who is also edging closer to a first-team return.
Joe Mattock and Will Vaulks remain suspended, but Warne looks to have a clean bill of health on the rest of his squad.
The Millers manager says his team are in good spirits coming into the clash, stating that the recent away victory has banished any possible lingering ‘demons’ of going on the road.
He added: “It's not a surprise to us that we got an away win but it's definitely a 'tick box'. Anyone who did have any mental demons about it, they'll be gone.
“Although we got our first away win at QPR, we could have had it many different games really.
“In fairness, of all the away grounds, Derby is one of my favourites. The atmosphere prior to the game with what they do there is excellent. The atmosphere is electric. It is our responsibility to try and put a foothold in the game really early on, and take the game to them.
“The lads are in pretty good fettle. We'll speak about the importance of it all but they know already.”