Here's who boss Paul Warne wants Rotherham United to draw in the third round of the FA Cup

ANAGER Paul Warne is crossing his fingers that his team are paired with Newcastle United in tomorrow night's FA Cup third-round draw.
Paul WarnePaul Warne
Paul Warne

The Rotherham United boss would be happy to land any Premier League side at AESSEAL New York Stadium but has a particular preference for the Magpies because of the Geordie players in his squad.

Midfielder Dan Barlaser came through the Toon youth ranks from the age of nine before joining the Millers two seasons ago while striker Michael Smith grew up as a regular spectator at St James' Park.

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"I would love to play Newcastle at home," said Warne whose men saw off to Stockport County on Friday evening to reach the stage where the top-flight and Championship big boys enter the tournament.

"It would mean a lot to Smudge and Dan. They have been ace for me since they've been with the club.

"I don't really want an away game. People get excited when you draw Manchester City away; not quite as exciting for the management team!

"A home game against anyone would be fine. If we draw a Premier League club, that would be great."

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Table-topping Rotherham return to training tomorrow morning to prepare for Tuesday's League One visit of Gillingham, managed by former Millers chief Steve Evans.

The players had a free weekend as a reward for beating Stockport and knocking Port Vale out of the EFL Trophy three days earlier.

"I told them that if they won both cup games this week that they could have Saturday and Sunday off," Warne said.

The Millers were pushed all the way by National League Stockport before triumphing 1-0 and the boss added: "We need to play better on Tuesday than we did on Friday if we want to win."

The draw takes place at 7pm tomorrow, before the final second-round tie between Boreham Wood and St Albans City, and is being televised on ITV4.