No back-up, no problem for Rotherham United boss

The Millers are sweating on Jamal Blackman's ankle injury ahead of the trip to the league leaders.

Warne has decided to name just two stoppers in his 25-man squad which would mean if Blackman does not make it and Viktor Johansson gets the nod there will be no back-up.

The boss told the Star: “I haven't got a contingency plan, I would go completely all out and take just one keeper and have all outfield subs, which we would have done years ago and there be no drama.

“In the world of worst case scenarios I would like to have a goalkeeper on the bench.”

Asked whether any players have had a go in between the sticks in training, Warne replied: “It can't be that hard can it? I went in goal once when the keeper got injured at Brighton. It can't be hard to put a pair of gardening gloves on and go in the net.

“Any of them could do that. Crooksy (Matt Crooks) could do it, Smudge (Michael Smith) thinks he's a goalkeeper, Woody (Richard Wood) definitely would come for crosses with his head.”Warne is back with the team and will be on the touchline at the Madejski Stadium after missing the last two games following a 10-day self-isolation period.

The boss is not keen to repeat the experience any time soon.

“Matchdays in the garden shed were bordering on the disgusting,” he said.

“They were very unenjoyable in every single way. Through the week was fine. I have absolute trust in my staff. I'd be amazed if any of the players noticed I wasn't there really.

“They filmed all the training and I managed to watch all of that. I edited it and let the lads know what I thought.

“I was in constant contact with the players and staff on video calls.

“Me not being there wasn't a problem apart from matchday. I was speaking to my goalie coach on the phone during stoppage time at Nottingham Forest.”

“There were 92 minutes on the clock as I was watching on screen but 93 had gone at the actual game.

“I'm like, 'Oh my god, where's the ball on the pitch now? It's in our goal area at the moment. Did we defend it?'.

“It was a very stressful, unenjoyable position to be in. I don't want to have to go through any of that again.”

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