Price is right as Warne backs stand-in keeper

The 33-year-old will make his first league appearance in nearly a year at Southend tomorrow when he steps in to replace Marek Rodak, who is on international duty with Slovakia.

Price is out of contract this summer and after making only one appearance this term, in the EFL Trophy back in November, he is desperate for regular football.

While he may look well elsewhere for that and Warne says he will have to excel to keep Rodak out of the team, any definite decision on his future won’t be made just yet.

“Never say never is my honest answer,” said Warne. “If he is amazing, which I expect he would be, and he did well enough to keep Marek out of the team, then that would be some performance.

“I have nothing but 100 per cent trust in Pricey.  I am also aware his family live down south and he is at the age when wants to play, so that might take a different path.

“That conversation on the whole goalkeeper thing will be later in the season I think and it would be a decision I would make at the end.”

Price had a run in the side last term which ended at Wigan in April after he was involved in a needless stoppage-time altercation with an opposition player. The home team scored from the resulting free-kick to win 3-2.

Now in his second season at the AESSEAL New York Stadium, the ex-Sheffield Wednesday man is still rated the best shot stopper at Rotherham and will have the chance to prove it at Roots Hall.

“I’m pleased for him to play,” added Warne. “He deserves to because it isn’t easy for a keeper. You don’t come on as a sub for the last 20 minutes and show people how good you are.

“Pricey has been patiently training all season and waiting his chance.”

Fitness doubt...Caolan Lavery

The Millers have no fresh injury concerns apart from Caolan Lavery, who has been poorly this week and didn’t train yesterday.

Nine points clear of seventh placed Peterborough, Rotherham have won eight of their last ten and can strengthen their grip on a League One play-off place with a good result tomorrow. The day also sees a clutch of play-off rivals face each other. Charlton host Plymouth and Peterborough take on Bristol Rovers.

“There are no easy games in which to pick up points from at this time of the year,” added Warne. “The matches are always important, obviously, but this weekend is a bit more so because all the teams around us can’t win. There are seven teams realistically going for four (play-off) places but after Saturday it might be more obvious what is happening.”

Catch today’s Advertiser for in-depth coverage of the Millers and our Live Matchday Blog for developments throughout the afternoon at Roots Hall.