Cup night: Warne lays down challenge to Millers

ROTHERHAM United's players have been challenged to "puff their chests out" and show what they can do in tonight's Carabao Cup tie at Everton.
Pointers...manager Paul Warne and assistant Richie Barker want to spring an upset at Everton tonight.Pointers...manager Paul Warne and assistant Richie Barker want to spring an upset at Everton tonight.
Pointers...manager Paul Warne and assistant Richie Barker want to spring an upset at Everton tonight.

Manager Paul Warne is set to make multiple changes for the clash at Goodison Park to give those who haven't featured much so far a chance to stake a claim.

They could include the likes of Clark Robertson, Billy Jones, Joe Newell and winger Anthony Forde, who this week was the subject of transfer speculation linking him with a loan move away. The former Walsall man has played only one match this term, the first round victory over Wigan.

Warne says there has been no appoach for the player, although one or two could leave before Friday's 5pm deadline for loan deals.

"The lads on the periphery of the team at the moment I don't look at as weaker players," said the Millers boss. "It's just that at the moment they're not in the team.

"This is an opportunity for them to puff their chests out and say 'have a look at me'. That's what football is about all the time, you're always on trial.

"Anthony Forde has been a bit unlucky this season not to get in the squad but we will always pick who we think are the best 11 or 18 and if you're not in it then you have to do your damnedest to get in it.

"You might see him at Everton and if he does play a part, there is no better chance to try and get back in the team. It's the same for everyone."

Anthony Forde...could feature at Goodison Park.

Warne wants to bring in one, possibly two players, before the deadline but is also mindful he has four loans already and can only include five in a matchday squad. Moves for non-contract players after the deadline are not out of the question.

A return for Brighton's Richie Towell also remains a possibility and the 27-year-old didn't feature at all in the Seagulls' squad on duty against Southampton in the cup last night.

Other options are being looked but, as across the entire market, things were being held up because clubs are "spinning so many plates."

Premier League Everton are playing a more attacking syle of football this season under Marco Silva and are also expected to ring the changes tonight but Rotherham are braced for a stern test in what will be their first trip to Goodison in 26 years.

Added Warne: "I expect Everton to play with energy and vigour and they'll want a cup run this year. I expect them to be be able to move the ball through the sections of the pitch really quickly bit I want my lads to do the same on them.

"We're going to give it a right go."

Rotherham have sold more than 1,900 tickets and they remain on sale up to 4pm at the Red and White Shop or over the phone on 01709 827768.

Kick-off is 7.45pm.