Rotherham United manager Paul Warne was on iFollow Millers duty ahead of the hosting of Accrington Stanley in Sky Bet League One this weekend.
The Millers boss spoke about the test at Lincoln City on Tuesday night and the fact that defensive duo Clark Robertson and Adam Thompson are nearing full fitness. He went on to discuss formation options ahead of the weekend and the trio of his players, who have represented Accrington in their careers.
Full video content available HERE on iFollow Millers…
Warne on opportunity to get minutes into players in EFL Trophy...
"We went into the game trying to win but it was about giving players time. We had a couple of young players and a few of the lads needed some minutes. Our team was still quite strong but it was a good competitive game. Unfortunately we were on the wrong side of the result and there ends our journey."
Warne on Adam Thompson nearing full fitness...
"He's getting there. He came on earlier than we expected with Woody's injury in the FA Cup and I always earmarked Lincoln as being his first game and he's come here to compete with the other centre halves and I think he has done really well to start with."
Warne on Clark Robertson being back involved following injury lay-off...
"Robbo has been struggling with his groin issue but we've taken him out of training and he's done loads of strengthening and he feels alright. It was just a box to tick really knowing he could play and be available for selection for Saturday.
"He's had no repercussions of any pain or anything so it's good news."
Warne on Clarke injury and whether he has a chance of joining up with Ireland...
"He's struggling a little bit with his ankle which is unfortunate for him because I know the second game [with Ireland] is at his club that he played for.
"We're doing everything we can to help him to be fit for that, I'm not sure he will be. He's feeling a little bit better and hopefully for him he can recover and go and join up with the Ireland squad."
Warne on potentially changing formation for home clash with Accrington...
"In fairness, if we played 4-4-2 on Saturday it wouldn't be the same 11 but it is something we could consider.
"I was hoping it would be a lot more fluent going forward than it was on Tuesday, but like everything it is a work in progress. You have to look at the opposition and who your best 11 players are to be on the pitch and if that includes the format of a 4-4-2 then great. If it is a 4-4-1-1 with a 10 and a bit more midfield responsibility it is virtually the same."
Warne on Accrington Stanley test...
"I really like Accrington. I appreciate that people who listen to my interviews are going to say I say the same about every team we play, but I'll never say anything different because everyone in this league is a good side.
"Accrington had a really good away performance and we've watched three of their last games, but at Coventry they drew 0-0 and outplayed Coventry and at home they have one of the best records at home in the league this season."
"They beat Ipswich 2-0 at a canter really and they play 4-4-2 or they have been. Their work ethic out of possession is really good and they have used the loan system really well.
Warne on trio of former Accrington players facing their old club (Crooks, Ihiekwe, Barlaser)...
"In fairness, they played a massive part in Icky's development. He had a really good first season for us and I've said that on record loads of times.
"He just wasn't in the plans last summer and he struggled a little bit. He went out on loan and we were watching everything he was doing, we kept an eye on him he did well in a really good team and he came back a man in the nicest possible way.
"He's been excellent this season and I'm really pleased with him, then obviously Dan played really well there last year as well.
"Crooksy played there a long time ago, so it isn't in the forefront of my brain but Dan and Icky will be looking forward to this for sure."
Warne on returning to home action for the first time this month...
"I am looking forward to being back at home and I am hopeful that because of the season we have had people can appreciate how tough this league is and there is no guarantee whoever you play at home that it will be a walk in the park, because it definitely is not.
"We definitely need all the fans to get behind us and really shout the team on this weekend. It's a big game for us and it would be a massive three points."