Strength will play key part in winger's future, says Warne

YOUNG winger Alex Bray is being tipped for a good career at Rotherham United once he has the strength to deal with the challenges of regular senior football.

With the club’s relegation from the Championship confirmed, some fans claim it is time to give more game time to the likes of Bray, the 21-year-old whose loan switch from Swansea City was made permanent last month.

The pacy wide man is ready to become a fully fledged senior but has had to make do with only fleeting appearances so far as a substitute.

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But while Warne says Bray could still feature in the remaining three games, he believes he will be better equipped once he has a full pre-season under his belt.

 “We had Alex in the office the other day wanting to know what he could do to get in the team,” said the Millers boss, speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash with Ipswich.

“He needs to be stronger and a bit more physical and he’s doing a lot of work in the gym and we’re trying to build him up.

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“Now whether he is strong enough to be put in before the end of the season, possibly. There have been a few games where I have considered throwing him on.

“I’m not trying to protect him too much, but once he has a proper man’s pre-season with us he will be a different player. He has a lot to give and I’m conscious what people say about giviing young lads a chance but I also want to be competitive in all the games.

“No disrespect, we are not playing Crewe and Leyton Orient, we are playing Ipswich, Preston and Derby, three solid Championship sides, so I want to put out the strongest team I can. If a game goes in the direction where I can put Alex on then I have no issue with that, but do I think he will have a good career here.”

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