Rotherham United manager Paul Warne was on iFollow Millers duty ahead of the trip to Maidenhead United in the Emirates FA Cup this weekend.
The Millers boss paid tribute to Trevor Clarke for his ROI U21 call-up, spoke about Matt Crooks’ wonder goal and his side’s excellent defensive showing at Gillingham before moving on to cover the upcoming test at York Road and his team news.
Full video content available HERE shortly on iFollow Millers…
Warne's Gillingham reflections...
“I was really pleased. To keep another clean sheet away from home and to score some good goals was good and we could have scored some more to be fair.
“When the lads were under the cosh - they had a good 10 minute spell - and at all corners and free kicks we got all first contacts on the ball and defended really well.
“Overall it was a good team performance and a good away performance.”
Warne on Crooks wonder goal...
“It was pretty good. His touch set him up, Jamie Lindsay had done well and I was thinking go on because he's quick Crooksy - I don't think people realise how quick he is.
“Once he had his touch I thought 'go on mate, you're in' and he hit it and I thought it was a bit early but it just had a lovely curve on it and I thought it had a right chance. I was really pleased for him.”
Warne on another clean sheet on the road...
“I'd asked them to get a clean sheet for Steve McVann [kit man] and we showed them the good and the bad and the opportunities that we had created, but we did know that being Steve's [Evans] team that they were going to keep coming and getting balls in the box.
“We had to just ride the storm really and we did that really well.”
Warne on Daniel Iversen's contribution so far in a Rotherham United shirt...
“I don't think it has gone unnoticed by anyone really. All the fans can appreciate how well he has done and that's why he was our target in the summer and we waited so long for him.
“He's done a really good job and the lads have the utmost confidence in him but when we did the highlights on Monday to the team, there were a lot where he came and punched and caught and take the pressure off the back four.”
Warne on Trevor Clarke's call-up to the Republic of Ireland U21s...
“It's brilliant news for him. In fairness, they have always been aware of him and his talents but he has come here, started with an injury, but now he's played a big part in the Donny game, the Ipswich away and the Gillingham game.
“He's progressing really well, so for him to get this call-up is great. Unfortunately, he's injured at the moment with his ankle, which is why he had to come off at the weekend, so whether he will be able to go and play I don't honestly know, but we're trying our best for him.
“He's worked really hard when he was out injured and he's one funny kid, so we're very pleased for him.”
Warne's pre-Maidenhead United team news...
“Joe Mattock still isn't training today. Trevor Clarke won't be available.
“I have other issues - Woody isn't right and neither is Crooksy. Icky has a sore Achilles. I have a few issues really but I'm hopeful that most of them will be available.”
Warne on Adam Thompson and Clark Robertson fitness...
“It's great news [on Adam Thompson]. I earmarked him for the Lincoln cup game but it might be that he is included to play this weekend depending on what is happening in front of him.
“He has come in and he knew the situation that he would have to compete hard for his place and he was unfortunate to get that bone displacement in his leg, but he's worked really hard.
“The intention was for him to train today and tomorrow [Robertson] and look to be part of it this weekend or at Lincoln on the Tuesday.
“As you know, we've come to work today on a kayak, so we're going to train on astro turf rather than at the training ground so I don't think it is ideal for Robbo to have his first day back training with groin problems on there.
“Possibly, he won't train so that might delay his comeback.”
Warne on challenge of facing Maidenhead United in the Emirates FA Cup...
“We've done exactly the same process as we always do. They're in the National League and we played Chesterfield pre-season full strength and they gave us a right game.
“We are definitely not underestimating the opposition that is for sure. You know all of our backgrounds, but mine especially, I played non-league for years so I have full respect for them.
“I don't even think it is non-league anymore in that most of the teams in there [National League] are full-time.
“Rich went and watched them on a Tuesday night the other week and we've got video footage of them for three games so we're doing as much hard work as we can and I will pick the strongest team I possibly can.
“I remember playing for Ronnie at Wealdstone and they were leagues below that and we won 3-2 but we were lucky to get away with it on the day. There are going to be many cup shocks this weekend but this is a team that are only two leagues below us.”