Why squad depth is key for Rotherham United during gruelling campaign

The Millers have had little time for rest after Wednesday's landmark win over Sheffield Wednesday, where they beat their rivals at home in the league for the first time since 1976, as they are back in action at Stoke on today.

They did not come through that game unscathed as Freddie Ladapo, Mickel Miller and Richard Wood all picked up knocks and will be assessed in the build-up.

But Warne has built a squad with cover in all areas and only made his decision on the side after watching training on Friday.

“We've got some knocks and bumps and bruises, Freddie (Ladapo), Mickel (Miller) and Woody (Richard Wood) are all a bit sore,” Warne said.

“I want to have another good look at them on Friday. We trained on Thursday but a few of them didn't go on the grass.

“We have got some problems as everybody else has but the good thing is we've got competition for places and I'll have a looking at training before we name the team, which is a bit unique for us but because of the quick turnaround if I ask the players if they're fully fit you'll be very surprised to hear they tell me they are, then they go limping out, dragging one leg behind them.

“I'll watch the training, get the information into them and name the team on Saturday.”

The Millers were leading 3-0 at the break against the 10-man Owls, so they could have conserved some energy by managing the game.

Instead, they continued to give it their all in the only way they know how.

“There was an opportunity to conserve energy but we didn't. The lads when they got the ball back there wasn't a need to go bang, bang bang and be relentless because the game was in their grasp.”

Angus MacDonald is one player who becomes available having served his three-match ban and he will be eyeing an instant recall.

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