Paul Warne exploring free transfer market to bolster injury-hit Rotherham United squad

ROTHERHAM UNITED manager Paul Warne is exploring the free transfer market to help ease the strain on his injury-hit squad.
Rotherham United manager Paul Warne. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA.Rotherham United manager Paul Warne. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA.
Rotherham United manager Paul Warne. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA.

The Millers chief kept his cards close to his chest when discussing potential targets but does have his eye on a free-agent midfielder and he will look to hold further discussions over the international break next week.

Rotherham have been struggling with a number of injury problems. Shaun MacDonald broke his leg last weekend and is unlikely to play again this year while Chiedozie Ogbene and Clark Robertson are also out with long-term injuries.

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The latest setback has forced Warne's hand as his side host Preston North End on Saturday in their final game before the international break.

"If there is an opportunity to bring someone in, we will, because it is a big blow losing Macca [MacDonald]," said Warne.

"The way we play and playing two games a week, it is physically exhausting.

"If you look at our upcoming fixtures, to play all them games and get everybody through those is going to be pretty tricky.

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"If I could bring a midfielder in, I think I would and January will be big for every club. I have got someone in mind, I have had someone in mind for the last three to four months.

Joe Mattock will miss Saturday's match with Preston North End with a hamstring problem. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.Joe Mattock will miss Saturday's match with Preston North End with a hamstring problem. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Joe Mattock will miss Saturday's match with Preston North End with a hamstring problem. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.

"I think the player may be keen on coming. I will arrange to meet the player next week and see if anything can materialise."

Joe Mattock is expected to miss the next two to three weeks with a hamstring problem while goalkeeper Jamal Blackman has been playing through the pain barrier of an ankle injury.

Warne still feels he has a number of options at left-back for the visit of North End, including Trevor Clarke but he is seen as more of a left-winger by the Millers manager.

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"Unfortunately Joe has damaged his hamstring and he will be out for two to three weeks," confirmed Warne.

Rotherham United host Preston North End at the New York Stadium on Saturday. Picture: Aaron Barwell/Getty Images.Rotherham United host Preston North End at the New York Stadium on Saturday. Picture: Aaron Barwell/Getty Images.
Rotherham United host Preston North End at the New York Stadium on Saturday. Picture: Aaron Barwell/Getty Images.

"We have a couple of options or could play a different way, we will be fine.

"We have got one other injury issue which I don't really want to put out there but apart from that we should be good."

On Blackman, Warne added: "He has been struggling for a few weeks now with his ankle.

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"His goalkeeping was excellent against Luton but his kicking wasn't up to his usual standard. He has got pain when he flexes his ankle.

"Hopefully he should be alright for the weekend. We need to get to the international break for him to get some downtime, get an injection and get himself fully right."

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