Joe Mattock back in frame for Rotherham United and opponents Morecambe hit by manager blow

The defender missed last Friday's 1-1 draw with closest challengers Wigan Athletic at AESSEAL after picking up a minor issue in training.

But the 31-year-old has been given the all-clear for this evening's home clash with managerless Morecambe Town.

"Joe was just a little bit tight, that's all," coach Matt Hamshaw said. "It's nothing serious. He can come back into the reckoning."

Mattock may be needed if Rotherham decide to rest veteran skipper Richard Wood with Saturday's long trip to fellow promotion contenders Plymouth Argyle in mind.

Rotherham are six points clear at the summit of the table and could increase the gap with a victory this evening as Wigan face a difficult test at fifth-placed Wycombe Wanderers.

Morecame, whose game last Saturday at Shewsbury Town was postponed because of storm weather, are in the drop zone but Hamshaw is expecting a hard encounter.

"We've got huge respect for the players they've got," he said.

"Cole Stockton has been a massive threat for them all season. Toumani Diagouraga has had a good career and a lot goes through him.

"A lot of teams have played them and struggled."

The Shrimps have drawn three and lost two of their last five league outings and haven't won since a 3-2 home triumph over Wycombe on January 22.

Their plight has been worsened by the loss of boss Stephen Robinson who today left them to take over Scottish side St Mirren.