Rotherham United: Paul Warne happy with Richie Towell's Republic of Ireland call despite injury

The Millers midfielder has been named in Martin O'Neill's squad for games against Denmark and Wales '“ the first time he has received international recognition.

The only problem is that Towell is currently battling a knee injury which threatens to keep him out of this Saturday's Championship visit to Birmingham.

Even if he does not make the St Andrew's clash, Warne has no complaints about him jetting off to Dublin.

'There is always that element of worry, but if he was my son would I want him to go to the international call-up for the first time, damn right I would,' Warne said. 'If that gives him a boost and he comes back a better player then great.

'As a manager I have a responsibility to put the best team out and do the best I can for Rotherham.

"But I still have a responsibility to do what is right for him and what is right for him is without a shadow of a doubt is represent his country, make his family proud.

'His daughter will grow up knowing her dad once played for his country which is hugely impressive.'

Towell will be working under Roy Keane, who is O'Neill's assistant and has a reputation for not taking any nonsense.

With his whitened teeth and slick back hair, Towell might not seem Keane's cup of tea on paper, but Warne knows Towell's football will do the talking.

'I think Roy Keane will love him because he likes people who train at an intensity and Richie Towell definitely does that,' the boss added.

'His training intensity is why Chris Hughton loves him at Brighton and always kept him around the first team.

' If he goes and trains the way I know he can I think Roy Keane will really like him. I don't know what he'll think of his teeth but he'll really like him as a footballer!'

Towell will be checked on before the visit to Birmingham, but skipper Richard Wood is definitely out.

'Woody is still sore, broke down in the warm-up which was a blow. It will take the international break to come good again for him,' Warne said.

'Kyle Vassell has done some work with me, he is fine, he looks in good fettle unless he has a reaction to training.'