Millers manager outlines Collins' qualities

ROTHERHAM United manager Neil Redfearn has outlined the qualities he believes experienced defender Danny Collins possesses ahead of Friday night’s match at Blackburn.

Former Nottingham Forest man Collins (35) has come in for criticism from some sections of the Millers’ fanbase, but Redfearn is adamant about what the centre-back brings to the squad.

“I think Danny is a very experienced player,” the Millers boss told the Advertiser.

“He wasn’t in the side that started at Leeds but he came off the bench and did very well and put in a performance.

“That got me thinking to the Bristol City game, which was like the land of the giants, they had players who were 6ft 4ins, 6ft 5ins and 6ft 3ins, so Danny was a perfect foil to go in at left back and again played well.”

With Stephen Kelly struggling to be fit for Friday’s 7.45pm kick-off and Farrend Rawson still recovering after an operation, Collins could once again partner Kirk Broadfoot in the heart of Rotherham’s defence, as he did against Wolves last weekend.

But Redfearn is confident his defensive unit is capable of keeping a clean sheet and admits he has no favourites when it comes to selecting his back line.

He said: “Football is all about opinion, supporters will have favourites and players that they don’t like, but from my point of view I have to look at what gets us clean sheets, that’s the most important thing.

“I have no favourites in regards to who should and who shouldn’t play, the ones who go in as part of a unit to keep a clean sheet are the ones that will play.”

Rotherham are likely to be without Danny Ward who suffered a knock against Wolves, while Leon Best serves the last of his three game suspension for his sending off at Leeds.

Meanwhile left-back Joe Mattock could return to the starting 11 after overcoming a hamstring injury.

Make sure you pick up tomorrow’s Advertiser for reaction from last weekend's game and all the build up to Friday’s fixture.