Republic of Ireland keep door open for Rotherham United's Trevor Clarke

ROTHERHAM United utility player Trevor Clarke is being monitored by the Republic of Ireland medical team as he embarks on a race against time to feature for his country's under-21 side.
Trevor ClarkeTrevor Clarke
Trevor Clarke

The Millers left-back/winger has been called up for 2020 European U-21 Championship qualifiers against Armenia and Sweden even though he is sidelined by injury.

An ankle knock is set to rule him out of Thursday's clash in Armenia but the Republic are hoping he may be fit for the home match with the Swedes a week on Tuesday.

"Ireland asked him to go over," revealed Rotherham United boss Paul Warne after watching his side beat non-league Maidenhead United 3-1 in the first round of the FA Cup last Saturday.

"He's met their doctor and physio and he's had a scan to assess the severity of the damage and to see if he'll be able to play in the second game."

Clarke, aged 21, missed the victory at Maidenhead, and Rotherham expect him to be out for around another fortnight.

Another FA Cup absentee was midfielder Jamie Lindsay who didn't travel to Berkshire because of a family issue.

Meanwhile, debutant Adam Thompson earned praise from Warne after coming on as 37th-minute substitute for injured centre-half Richard Wood to make his debut.

Thompson joined the Millers in the summer from Bury but damaged his leg in training and was in the treatment room for nearly two months.

"In every sport it's always next man up," Wane said. "As soon as someone is injured, the next man has to come in, perform and show why he should be in the team.

"Thommo has definitely done that. It was an ideal game for him to start his Rotherham career in really."