MARK Robins is relishing tonight's Yorkshire derby with Leeds United at Don Valley.
The Millers boss has played against Leeds many times but the Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie is the first time he's faced them as a manager: "It's always a good game against Leeds, who are a big club and in a position (League One) that they probably wouldn't want to be.
"They have an unbelievable history - and have had a big fall from grace. In many ways there are similarities between the two clubs, we're both trying to build for the future.
"But we're going into the match with loads of confidence. It's it's another opportunity to test ourselves."
Having lost just once this season in 12 matches, it would be hard not to recognise Robins has already done a stirling job.
Although still third from bottom in the League Two, the club has now moved into a positive points position.
But not wanting to get carried away, 38-year-old Robins added: "We've done exceptionally well, but there's still a long way to go. To overcome our (17 points) deficit is a good achievement, but the aim is to avoid relegation. If we were to get to a point where we're safe, then obviously we'd have to re-assess our aims, but staying up is the priority."
Robins was delighted how his side battled back from a goal down to hit four against Grimsby Town on Saturday, so it's little surprise they face Leeds full of confidence: "There's no substitute for hard work. It's not about Leeds, it's about us and how we can threaten then and put them under pressure."
There is a fully fit squad for tonight's Sky-televised match, barring long-term injury worry Mark Lynch, while Danny Harrison will face stiff competition for a staring place despite recovering from a minor hamstring injury.
"We lost to Grimsby on penalties at this stage of the competition last season, so it would be nice to go further this year," said Robins.
Leeds keeper Dave Lucas may return to the starting line up despite an injured finger at Peterborough United.
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The full article contains 428 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.