Blackburn v Rotherham: Old friends collide at Ewood Park

Lee Frecklington is not looking forward to coming up against former Rotherham United team-mate Richie Smallwood tonight.
Keiffer Moore: Injury doubt.Keiffer Moore: Injury doubt.
Keiffer Moore: Injury doubt.

The duo were in the engine room of the Millers side who gained so much success under Steve Evans.

Many at the New York Stadium were surprised when midfield enforcer Smallwood was allowed out on loan to Scunthorpe United for the first half of last season.

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The 26-year-old impressed for The Iron, before being recalled to Rotherham in January, and earned a move to Blackburn Rovers in the summer.

It means Millers captain Frecklington will come face-to-face with Smallwood tonight at Ewood Park, and it is not an encounter he is relishing.

“I don’t want to play against him, I like playing with him,” said Frecklington. “I think everyone knows I was disappointed that Richie left, he is a good friend.

“I probably enjoyed playing with him more than anyone else in my career. I think we suited each other very well. I knew wherever I went, he would not be moving from that position.

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“Strong, great tackler, a winning mentality and I thought he was brilliant for Rotherham.

“Unfortunately, it happens in football, and he has moved on.”

Smallwood made over 120 appearances for Rotherham, over three seasons after joining from Middlesbrough in 2014.

Frecklington said: “I think it’s a great move for him, Blackburn is a fantastic club.

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“From speaking to him, he seems very happy, playing every week, and the fans love him.

“I know it will be difficult to play against him. He sits there, he is strong, solid, and it will be a tough game.”

Rotherham head to Ewood Park on the back of a 5-1 win against Oldham, who yesterday parted company with manager John Sheridan.

It took patience from the Millers, who were locked at 1-1 with 20 minutes remaining, before they over-ran the visitors.

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On-loan striker Kieffer Moore netted twice but manager Paul Warne must decide whether to rest the striker, who is nursing a groin injury.

Rookie striker Jerry Yates could come in for Moore after coming off the bench to score against the Latics.

Last six games: Blackburn Rovers WWWWLD Rotherham United LWWWLW.

Referee:

Last time: Blackburn Rovers 4 Rotherham United 2, September 17 2016, Championship.