Fitness updates on Rotherham United's Grant Hall, Tyler Blackett, Jamie Lindsay, Shane Ferguson and Tom Eaves, plus manager Matt Taylor names next season's captain

ROTHERHAM United  are likely to be without Grant Hall for their Championship opening-day clash at Stoke City on Saturday as they take no risks with the centre-half's tight hamstring.

The 31-year-old came off as a precaution in their 3-0 friendly win at Lincoln City five days ago and had a scan on Tuesday.

"It's a race against time,” managet Matt Taylor said. “I'd imagine this weekend might come too soon for him.”

There is better news concerning fellow centre-half Tyler Blackett who should be fit after missing the Imps clash through illness.

“Tyler seems better,” Taylor said. “He had a fever and felt pretty rotten for a couple of days. He shouldn't be in too bad a shape going into the weekend. We expect him to be available.”

Three players who remain sidelined are midfielder Jamie Lindsay (achilles), striker Tom Eaves (calf) and winger Shane Ferguson (hernia operation).

“Jamie did a little bit on Monday,” Taylor said. “He's still a little bit sore. He's taking a little bit longer than we'd hoped.

“He's as tough as they come so if he's in a bit of discomfort then we know he needs a bit longer to recover. He's not a million miles away. We'll assess him on a daily basis.

“Tom's out on the grass and looking good. He's got to tick off a few more days with the physios and then he'll be back with the team.

“Shane's on the pitch. He's not with the group as yet but he's certainly progressing. He's got to build up the strength in the area where he had the surgery. He's probably a week to ten days away from joining the group then a further couple of weeks from team activity.”

Ferguson played in pain during last term's survival run-in before undergoing an operation at the close of the season.

“We just have to build a bit of fitness and sharpness back into him now,” Taylor said.

The manager revealed that Sean Morrison will be club captain next season, with midfield man Ollie Rathbone wearing the armband if the central defender doesn't play.