Rotherham United manager Paul Warne has no issues with Richie Towell’s international call-up, despite this midfielder still being injured.
The Brighton and Hove Albion loanee has received his first international call-up for the Republic of Ireland.
Towell will join up with Martin O’Neil’s side for their UEFA Nations League clashes with Wales and Denmark this month.
Warne on International stars
The only problems with Towell’s call-up is the fact he’s currently injured.
The midfielder missed Wednesday night’s goalless draw with Bristol City with a knee injury and is also a doubt for Saturday’s clash with Birmingham City.
Warne, though, has no issues with Towell going away to represent his country.
He said:
“There is always that element of worry, but if he was my son would I want him to go to the international call-up for the first time, damn right I would.”
“If that gives him a boost and he comes back a better player, then great.”
“As a manager, I have a responsibility to put the best team out and do the best I can for Rotherham.”
“But I still have a responsibility to do what is right for him and what is right for him is without a shadow of a doubt is represent his country, make his family proud.”
“His daughter will grow up knowing her dad once played for his country which is hugely impressive.”
Towell joins a growing list of Millers’ internationals.
First team players Semi Ajayi (Nigeria), Marek Rodak (Slovakia), Ryan Manning (Republic of Ireland U21s) and Tyrone Lewthwaite (Northern Ireland U19s) have all received call-ups to play for their countries.
Winger Ryan Williams is also pushing for a place in Graham Arnold’s next Australia squad and Warne is hoping he is called-up soon.
He said:
“Willo is in a really good place and I say again, I hope he gets a full call up soon, as is the case with a few of my players.”
Warne on Birmingham
The Millers travel to St Andrew’s on Saturday to take on Birmingham City.
The Blues have performed well so far this season, but have struggled to turn strong performances into wins. Too many draws have left them sitting 18th, level on points with Rotherham.
Millers’ manager Paul Warne feels Garry Monk’s side are in a false position.
He said:
“I don’t think Birmingham’s league position is fitting for them. I think they should be a lot higher in the league than that.
“There’s no team in this league that are weak. Every game is an absolute slog.”
“They have some good players. I really like Maghoma and Jota is another really good player.”
“They are real threats with pace and power and trickery. Birmingham are well-organised and fit. This league is all about trying to take your chances.”
The Millers will be without skipper Richard Wood on Saturday. The defender pulled out in Tuesday’s warm-up with an injury and won’t be fit for the weekend.
Kyle Vassell is back in contention after being sidelined for the last two games.
On injury worries, Warne said:
“I’ve got another player with a bit of a knock.”
I’ve got a couple coming back but I’m not sure one will be back in time for the weekend. We won’t moan about things we can’t affect.”
“It would be nice if we could get points on the road, we won’t want it to drag on.”
“Woody is still sore, broke down in the warm-up which was a blow. It will take the international break to come good again for him.”
“Kyle Vassell has done some work with me, he is fine, he looks in good fettle unless he has a reaction to training.”
