The Millers take on the Dons off the back of Saturday’s victory over Accrington Stanley, their fourth in succession in the league.
The Millers take on the Dons off the back of Saturday’s victory over Accrington Stanley, their fourth in succession in the league.
Rotherham will be missing skipper Richard Wood through suspension and saw Michael Ihiekwe substituted at the weekend with a knee issue.
The manager discusses the defender’s fitness, as well as a number of other topics which you can read below.
Warne condemns further fan issues…
“There has been a lot of incidents recently, it is an issue and the thing that irritates me is that people play it down.
“Players should be in a safe environment playing football. We appreciate the support of the fans, but there are things that just aren’t acceptable and what happened on Saturday was totally unacceptable.
“It’s sad that the headlines are once again not about our great team and the win and instead of two individuals who spoiled it.”
Warne on Michael Ihiekwe’s fitness and centre-back options…
“I think Icky is going to be fit. I’ve got Joe Mattock and Wes, as well as Haks and Tolaji who can also play there if needed.
“Obviously Woody can’t play, but ideally I wouldn’t have wanted him to play three games in a week anyway, so it isn’t that much of a drama.”
Warne on Rarmani Edmonds-Green…
“He won’t be available for at least another 10 days. We’ve been relatively lucky with injuries so far this season, but you’re always going to get them as well as suspensions.”
Warne on contract talks with players…
“I know that Rob and Paul will be speaking to the player’s representatives again. I think a few of the players are really keen on Championship football.
“I think the majority of players want to see what league we’re in come the end of the season, which is understandable.
“If we’re fortunate to have a promotion season, these conversations will become a lot easier.”
Warne on sitting top of the table…
“Obviously people will look at the table and say it looks healthy, but of course football has the ability to change at any point.
“We don’t feel like we’ve achieved anything yet, we’re in a good position but we have a really tough month ahead.
“We’ve put ourselves in a good position, but that’s all it is and we’ve got to keep putting in performances that will give us the best chance of winning.”
Warne on Angus MacDonald…
“He might be involved in the squad tomorrow, we played a training game involving the youth team last week which he featured in.
“He’s getting close but he’s not yet match fit. I wouldn’t want to throw him for a start at Wimbledon, but he could potentially play a part if needed.
“He’s closer, he just needs that extra 10% of sharpness.”
Warne on games-in-hand vs points on the board…
“When you’re at the bottom of the league, a point a game is an achievement, so games in hand don’t really mean much for me.
“At the top of the league, the Wigans of this world are just used to winning. They have three games in hand and there’s a good chance they will get at least six points from it.
“I’d rather have the points, obviously, but you just expect Wigan to win all their games in hand. They are a really good team.”
Warne on clean sheets…
“We’ve got two amazing goalkeepers, backed by an amazing goalkeeper coach which helps.
“Obviously, I don’t think it’s all down to the keepers, although Josh was outstanding on Saturday probably played the biggest part in our win.
“It comes from the whole team. Clean sheets are so important to us and we want that to continue quite obviously.”