Rotherham United boss Warne has tough job to pick his Wembley team

PAUL WARNE may have his Rotherham United starting line-up in his head already for tomorrow's showpiece '“ but he is not relishing breaking the news to those who miss out.

The Millers report a clean bill of health apart from long-term injury casualties Jamie Proctor and Darren Potter, with Warne’s major quandary being who starts in the play-off final with Shrewsbury Town and who remains on the bench.

Warne, who knows how it feels to miss out at Wembley after being a non-playing substitute when the Millers lost to Dagenham in the League Two play-off final in May 2010, said: “I have played in a non-League final at the old Wembley which was amazing and the next time was with Ronnie (Moore) when I was substitute and not used.

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“It was a horrendous decision from him, it killed me! It was sad because we lost.

“It has now gone a whole circle and I am the one who makes and breaks it which is not an enjoyable part of the job.”

One move which has already proved universally popular among the Millers squad is Warne’s thoughtful decision to ask striker Proctor to lead out his team-mates ahead of kick-off tomorrow afternoon.

It was designed to serve as a morale-boost for the forward, who has done the hard yards on the rehabilitation trail after suffering a serious knee injury at the end of August – with Warne keen for him to have a specific matchday role during the club’s special day.

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Warne added: “I have asked him to do it; the lads want him to do it and he has got his instructions, which are very complicated.

Rotherham United manager Paul WarneRotherham United manager Paul Warne
Rotherham United manager Paul Warne

“He has got to walk, curtsy, sing the national anthem and then leave. He will be really proud to do it and I hope he enjoys doing it because he is selfless. It will get something extra out of the lads.

“I am not going there not to just enjoy myself. I will enjoy the game for what it is and if we win, I will enjoy it more.”