Man-of-the-match Forde hitting all the right notes, says Warne

BOSS Paul Warne sang the praises of winger Anthony Forde after his man-of-the-match performance helped extend the Millers' winning streak to five games.

The Irishman was a constant threat to Oxford's defence on Tuesday night and opened the scoring after seven minutes with a thunderous effort.

His quick feet left two Oxford defenders chasing shadows before he teed up Michael Smith to net the final goal in the Millers’ 3-1 victory.

And although Warne expects his wingers to chip in with goals, he has been happy with the former Walsall man’s overall contributions during his side’s unbeaten 12 game run.

Warne said following the mid-week win, which moved Rotherham up to fourth in the League One table: “Forde was excellent.

“I said to him on Saturday at Scunthorpe that he was excellent without getting the ball. His work ethic is second-to-none and for that he always gets our respect.

“We scrutinise every game, every minute the lads play and watch their individual clips, everything Fordey does doesn’t go unnoticed with the coaching staff here.

“The third goal was a crucial time in the game and for him to do what he did, that’s why people come to watch football games, to be entertained.

“He’s been brilliant for me."

Warne has a plethora of attacking options to pick from out wide including Forde, Joe Newell, Ryan Williams and Jon Taylor, and is eager to see them all get their names on the score sheet on a consistent basis.

He added: “I personally think my wingers should get eight to ten goals a season, which means we would be in the top six in my opinion.”

Warne is hopeful left back Joe Mattock, who was taken off as a precautionary measure with a tight hamstring towards the end of the first half, will be available for selection for Saturday's trip to table-toppers Shrewsbury.