Red card fails to dampen Evans’s belief that Rose can blossom fully

The 18-year-old midfielder – younger brother of Tottenham’s Danny Rose – received his marching orders in the Millers’ impressive 1-0 win at Exeter on Saturday.

On first viewing, Evans thought the teenager was harshly-judged by match officials after a late lunge, but after watching video replays accepts the decision was correct and Rose will be suspended for tonight’s trip to Accrington Stanley.

“I must admit when the referee gave young Mitch the red card I thought it was an awful decision but having reviewed the DVD I must say the referee was 100 per cent correct,” said Evans.

“Mitch went for the ball but he has left the floor in a two-footed manner and as the referee was right on top of the incident he got it right.

“What is important is that Mitch learns from this incident. I really like this lad. He can certainly play and he is one I am looking at and thinking, ‘go on son make yourself a career in this game’, because he certainly has the ability.”

The Millers beat Exeter thanks to a goal from captain Ian Sharps and they currently occupy the final play-off spot in League Two – but it is their mounting injury list which continues to hinder Evans.

“We went into the match and won with a terrific performance without the likes of Shearer, Tonge, Arnason, Noble, Ainsworth, Morgan, Agard and of course Lee Frecklington,” he added. “That is a sign that we have a really talented squad and it will take all of that if we are to be in the promotion race come the end of the season.”

Evans also revealed the Millers had allowed defender Laurence Wilson to leave the South Yorkshire club to try to find first-team football, and also move closer to his Merseyside roots.

Evans said: “This was all about the lad wanting to play and if possible allowing him to move back home to Liverpool.”

Last six games: Accrington WDLDWD, Rotherham WDLWLW.

Last time: Accrington 1 Rotherham United 1; September 13, 2011; League Two.

Referee: C Sarginson (Staffs).