Evans rallies the troops

MANAGER Steve Evans is urging his Rotherham United players to deliver a performance worthy of the occasion at tomorrow's big New York Stadium league curtain-raiser.

A crowd of more than 11,000 is expected to welcome the team home for their first competitive fixture in the town for four years.

The club have laid on entertainment to make sure the day goes with a swing and Evans, who has seen his side installed as League Two promotion favourites, is keen that opponents Burton Albion don't spoil the party.

He told the Advertiser: "If we play at the top of our game, we win. If we are a notch off they will come and steal the spoils.

"I know of a number of opening matches at new stadiums where the opposition has come and stolen a march and it has been an anti-climax.

"As a management team, we have to make sure we keep the players focused on the job in hand, which is on the pitch.

"Hopefully there is a good performance to match the celebration."

Left-back Laurie Wilson, one of 11 new signings, is set to start having recovered from the swollen ankle sustained in last Saturday's defeat to Hull City in the Capital One League Cup. Defenders Nicky Hunt (hamstring) and Dale Tonge (Achilles) are still missing.

Evans will make a decision tomorrow morning on his choice of captain, with newcomers Kari Arnason, Ian Sharps, Hunt and last season's skipper, Johnny Mullins, all in the frame.

Assessing the threat of Burton, Evans added: "They have an exceptional front two and probably one of the best strikers in the league in Billy Kee.

"We'll have to be on our game."

At the time of writing, less than 800 tickets remained, available from Mangham House.