Rotherham United v Sheffield United: Sheffield ‘derby’ is Millers’ chance to take Blades scalp

Tonight’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie at the Don Valley Stadium will also attract one of the biggest gates of the round. Bragging rights are at stake, too, as Rotherham United, ‘lodgers’ in their neighbouring city for the last three years, host Sheffield United.

The game is the first meeting between the clubs in six years and Millers manager Andy Scott is a former United player who missed out on the top job at Bramall Lane last season when Micky Adams was appointed.

Far greater pressure is on the Blades since they play at the higher level and have lost three of their last four games. The Millers, however, have also hit a bad patch – dropping from the top of League Two to eighth spot with only one win in six.

Blades manager Danny Wilson said: “It’s a derby game and there will be a lot of passion.

“We will take it very seriously because they are our local neighbours. Other clubs might see this competition as a ‘pain in the backside’ but my attitude is ‘if it’s worth entering, it is worth winning.’”

Blades midfielders Lee Williamson and Stephen Quinn have both played for the Millers and are especially looking forward to the tie. Williamson spent two years at the club before joining Watford in January 2007.

“I haven’t had the opportunity to play against them since leaving so it will be nice,” he said.

“I’d like to think I’ll get a good reception.”

Quinn got his first taste of senior football with the Millers during a three-month loan move from Bramall Lane in 2006.

“It will be an emotional one for me,” he said. “The fans there have always been brilliant with me, even to this day.”

Former Blades defender Stephen Jordan has been training with the Millers, but will not be offered a permanent deal.

Supporters wishing to attend tonight’s match have until 4pm to buy tickets. There will be no tickets on the turnstiles.

The Blades’ League One fixture at Preston North End this weekend has been postponed due to a late international call-up at Deepdale.

Defender Conor McLaughlin was drafted into the Northern Ireland under-21 squad taking Preston’s tally of international call-ups to three.

Under Football League rules, a club needs a minimum of three call-ups to postpone. The re-arranged date is Wednesday 19th October, kick-off 7.45pm.

Last six games: Millers LWDDLL, Blades WDLWLL

Last time: Millers 2 Blades 2; December 11, 2004, Championship.

Referee: GS Sutton (Leicestershire)