Hearts were a step up in class - Evans

29 July 2012 19:16
Speaking about yesterdays 1-0 defeat to Hearts, boss Steve Evans says it was a major test.

The Millers were defeated by John Sutton's goal just after the break and after two good derby wins against Barnsley and Doncaster, they suffered their first defeat at the New York Stadium.

But with the Scottish season starting next weekend and the visitors in very good shape, Evans felt his team got the test he wanted.

The boss will now look towards naming a more settled line up after seeing most of his players get even amounts of game time during the past week.

He told the clubs website: "Hearts brought a big step up in class of opposition and they start their own league season next Saturday, so in terms of sharpness I thought they were a little ahead of us at times.

"Pre season matches are important for a number of reasons but they are never about the result although winning is always the objective. At times in the match we looked a little tired but I did expect that after the hard week the players have put in and the illness that has been in the camp. From now it is about getting some sharpness into the players and they will benefit hugely from that work.

"We travel to face Hull City in the Capital One Cup in less than two weeks, so from now on the team will start to be selected on merit. Up until now it has been about ensuring all the players get the same amount of time on the pitch and all bar Lionel Ainsworth and Gareth Evans who had extra-time off with a virus then we have managed to do that but from now that strategy has gone.

"I would say we have decided on around eight of the starting 11 for the match at Hull City but there are still a few places up for grabs; it is up to the players to ensure they get a place in the team."

Source: FOOTYMAD