Get ready for a battle, says Warne
ROTHERHAM UTD v BIRMINGHAM CITY
ROTHERHAM boss Paul Warne has warned his side to expect a physical assault from Lee Bowyer’s rejuvenated Birmingham this afternoon.
Poached from Charlton to replace the unpopular Aitor Karanka last month, Bowyer has orchestrated three wins from five games to propel the Blues clear of the relegation zone.
And he has done it using an unashamedly direct style that is a world away from the ultra-cautious approach of Karanka.
By his own admission, Warne’s side were overpowered in Thursday’s
1-0 defeat to relegation rivals Coventry, their second game in 48 hours and a result that left them four points from safety with two games in hand.
And the Sky Blues, he says, were pussycats compared to Brum.
“Birmingham play in a very different way under Lee,” said Warne, whose side would close to within three points of the Blues with a win at the New York Stadium.
“I think they beat Stoke with 84 passes in 90 minutes last weekend. They’re a very direct team and that’s what I’ve told the lads.
“I said ‘If you couldn’t handle Coventry’s physicality then you need to get yourself mentally prepared for Birmingham because they are another level up’.
“We’ll have a look at the players, see who is fresh. We’ll pick a team that’s prepared to fight and be brave on the ball. And we’ll pick a team to win.
“I just hope we can turn up and be more like us than we were against Coventry.”
Victory for Birmingham would put them nine points clear of the Millers and all but secure another season of Championship football.
Bowyer, though, is taking nothing for granted.
“We have given ourselves a chance – but that’s all,” he insisted.
“If we keep putting performances in and keep picking up points then we should be okay but we can’t come off what’s getting us to this situation.”