Suspension worry for Rotherham United's Ollie Rathbone

Rotherham United midfielder Ollie Rathbone in Championship action against Bristol City, a match in which he was cautioned. Picture: Jim Brailsford

The captain has accumulated four yellow cards in the opening stages of the campaign and now stands only a single caution away from a one-match suspension.

He will lead the side against Ipswich Town at AESSEAL New York Stadium tomorrow night knowing he is walking a disciplinary tightrope.

Manager Matt Taylor is philosophical about the situation, accepting the combative midfielder is likely to be ruled out of a match at some stage.

“I don't think you can tell Ollie to rein in the way he plays,” the boss said.

“I do want him to work his feet more, though. I want him to back his pressing game so he doesn't always have to over-commit.

“But you absolutely don't want take away anything from him winning the ball back and being ultra-aggressive. It's a fine balancing act with him.”

The cut-off point for picking up five bookings is 19 league matches.

Rotherham have played only 11 so far so the 27-year-old will do well to keep his name out of the referee's notebook again before the deadline, which is set to fall in early December.

Rathbone was booked against Leicester City, Norwich City, Preston North End and Bristol City.