Points equal time off for Rotherham United players

Warne and his staff are always looking for different ways to coax the most from the squad and the carrot of extra family time can be a motivator.

To underline the point, a get–together was held this week where the players were asked to bring in photos showing what they’d been up to during their extra time off in the international break.

“We break the season down into sections and give the lads a points target between each international break," says Warne in today’s Advertiser.“ The lads get rewarded with days off during the next break, depending on how well they do.

“Our players had three days off during this break and they full deserved them because we've been at it since the end of June.

“Every player had to bring a photo in showing what they'd been up to. We put them up on the screen one by one and set them to music and when their picture came up they had to say where they were.

“Someone was in Rome, Richard Wood was somewhere local and myself and Matt Hamshaw were in Whitby, which is classy.

“Everyone wants extra time with their family and at the end of it I told them 'this is how important wins and points are to this place.' The message is, if you get on another good run and pick up some points then you can have more time with your family.

“Everyone wants that, I don't care who you are.”

Fitness doubt...Joe Newell.

The Millers’ next six-game run to the next break starts at home to Derby County tomorrow, with a trip to Aston Villa to follow on Tuesday.

Late fitness checks will be run on Clark Robertson (groin) and Joe Newell (hip).

Frank Lampard’s Derby have won their last four games in all competitions while Rotherham sit 15th from their two victories against Ipswich and Millwall.

Added Warne: "Belief isn’t missing at the moment but if we can come out victorious against a Derby or a Villa away on a Tuesday night, it would be a massive result and reinforce the message we are giving the players.

"Derby have sold 2,500 tickets so they will bring a good following which always make our fans a lot more vocal. It should be a really good atmosphere.

"It will be a test for our lads but that's what we're in this division for."

Catch today's Advertiser for full preview and the latest from the Millers camp.