Millers chief looks to apply finishing touches

PAUL Warne is close to landing a ninth summer signing for Rotherham United but stresses his existing squad isn’t in urgent need of further surgery.
Strong group...but another new face is about to be added to the Rotherham ranks.Strong group...but another new face is about to be added to the Rotherham ranks.
Strong group...but another new face is about to be added to the Rotherham ranks.

As reported in the Advertiser today, the Millers chief says he would like to add young Sheffield Wednesday striker George Hirst to the ranks on a season-long loan deal should the Owls decide to let him go.

At the same time, Warne says he is no closer to signing the highly touted teenager now than he was three months ago.

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The prospect of a centre-half coming in on a permanent deal is more likely, with three possibles in the frame.

“With any luck it will be done by this weekend, I’m not 100 per cent sure,” said Warne, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Peterborough United.

“I know it might look as though I’m collecting players but you don’t know what’s going to happen. Come September I could have two or three centre-halves injured and be in all sorts of bother. The transfer window is exciting from a fans’ point of view but as a manager you collect players because you are always thinking about ‘what ifs.’"

He added: "If I didn’t do any business between now and when the window shuts at the end of the month, it wouldn’t bother me. If there is an opportunity to bring someone in then I will but if no-one else comes up then I won’t lose sleep, I’m happy with the group I’ve got.”

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Warne has ruled out bringing defender Farrend Rawson back to the club but has welcomed Rotherham-born goalkeeper Scott Flinders in for training to work on his fitness.

Striker Jerry Yates misses out through injury this weekend as Rotherham looked to end their 16-month long wait for an away win against an attack-minded Peterborough side who have banked two league wins from two so far. With the Millers having put five past Southend last Saturday, a lively contest is likely.

“Peterborough are really athletic and open in the way they play, a bit like us,” added Warne. “I expect a game full of goals.”

You can follow all the developments at London Road in our live matchday blog. Plus, we've all the build-up, the latest on the Millers and much more in a 24-page sports pull-out in today's Advertiser.