The Richard Wood column: Grant makes quick work of opposition for Millers

We came through the clash with MK Dons the stronger and romped to a 4-0 victory. Credit to the the 3,000 travelling supporters, who were tremendous throughout.

Boss Neil Warnock emphasised the need for a good start, which the team certainly delivered. We scored a brilliant counter-attacking goal through Matt Derbyshire within the first minute to give the manager the opening he’d asked for.

Grant Ward set up the goal for Derbs and he has been outstanding in our recent results.

He’s runs so quickly with the ball, causing opposition teams so many problems with his direct style.

It seems he’s quicker running with the ball than without it!

He’s a joy to watch when he’s running at defenders, and it takes the pressure off us lads at the back when he’s moving the ball into the opposition’s final third. Even in the closing stages of the game last Saturday he still had the energy to take the ball and run at the MK players. I don’t know how he keeps going.

Kirk Broadfoot also deserves praise. He had a difficult start to the season with his 10-match ban but he’s been a rock at the heart of the defence since. I was delighted for him, and the fans were too, that he scored his first goal for the club with a terrific header. Cue jubilant celebrations with the supporters.

Another man in the goals last weekend was Andy Carroll.

His brilliant hat-trick against Arsenal has sparked debate on whether he should be part of England’s squad for Euro 2016.

He’s had his injury problems but if he can remain fit then I definitely think he should be considered. He is a giant of a man and is a massive aerial threat. He causes all sorts of problems for defenders.

Carroll would be like a ‘Plan B’ for boss Roy Hodgson. I wouldn’t expect him to be the main starter for England, as other strikers are ahead of him in that respect. He’s just a brilliant alternative to have.

If things aren’t going well for England then you could mix it up by using the West Ham striker.

The big, old-fashioned type of centre-forward is a dying breed nowadays. Teams tend to play more technically, with passing and movement the way forward. I agree with this, but Carroll would give England a different option so should at least be considered.

I believe Hodgson will certainly pick Wayne Rooney, Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane in the final squad. Daniel Sturridge will also be included if he stays fit. With regards to forwards, that probably leaves one more spot to fill.

The Hammers striker, if fully fit, gets the nod for me. Just for his strength and aerial prowess.

We don’t have anything similar to him and neither do the other countries. They wouldn’t know how to deal with him.

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