Rotherham United planning left-back signing as Joe Mattock suffers new setback

ROTHERHAM United's hunt for a new left-back has taken on new urgency after another injury blow for Joe Mattock.

The 30-year-old defender, who managed only three appearances towards the end of last season after requiring ankle surgery in December, now has an achilles problem.

He was due to feature in the pre-season friendly at Grimsby Town on Saturday but pulled out shortly before kick-off.

Speaking soon after the 1-0 win at Blundell Park, Millers manager Paul Warne said: "It's been evident that we can't rely on Joe to play 50 games every season. I'm looking forward to hopefully bringing in a new left-back next week."

The manager was unable to say on Saturday how serious, or otherwise, the latest injury is. It comes on top of an ankle complaint the player was already nursing.

"I got told that he felt like his achilles was really tight," Warne said. "He was a bit tired from Tuesday night (2-2 pre-season draw at Rochdale). He trained on Friday.

"The intention was for him to play a part today. I intended to shuffle things around. But he wasn't fit to join the play. He's been struggling with an ankle for quite a bit now."

Left-sided new boy Shane Ferguson filled in for Mattock against the Mariners.

"I haven't brought in Shane to be my left-back but unfortunately he had to play there," Warne said.