A clearer time frame on the comeback of Rotherham United loanee George Sebine
“He asks different questions of defenders than any of our other forwards.”
Young attacker George Sebine is poised to miss out on selection this weekend as Rotherham United resist the temptation to rush him back into action.
The young Huddersfield Town loanee is back with the Millers after receiving treatment on a calf injury at parent club Huddersfield Town and boss Alex Bruce would have loved to have him at his disposal tomorrow when Shrewsbury Town arrive at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
However, Rotherham plan to hold him back for another week before adding him to their matchday squad at the end of this month.
"Swindon Town away on October 31 - ideally, that would be the case," Bruce said.
Sebine is scheduled to resume full group training after the weekend and his fitness will be monitored by medical staff in the build-up to the League Two trip to the Robins.
The frontman showed up well in two substitute appearances before damaging his calf during the 3-3 draw with Salford City on September 12 and sitting out the last eight matches.
"He's only just turned 20, we can't lose sight of that," said Bruce. "But he's 6ft 3in/6ft 4in tall, and he can run, he can hold the ball up. He asks different questions of defenders than any of our other forwards. It would be a big plus to have him, whether it's him starting or coming off the bench to make an impact."
Meanwhile, the head coach revealed he had taken time to speak to another youngster after dropping him from the starting 11 against Newport County on Tuesday night.
Twenty-one-year-old centre-half Sonny Aljofree has been in every league line-up this term until he paid the price for a recent slip in form.
Bruce has also spoken to other members of the squad who have found themselves on the bench or out of the matchday 18 entirely.
"I've spoken to Sonny, I've spoken to (midfielder) Brandon Cover who also didn't play the other night," he said. "I've spoken to people like (centre-back) Manny Adeboyega as well.
"My message to all of them is: 'Show me consistency and you'll play.' Consistency is what you want from your centre-halves. You want someone who's going to do the ugly side of the game - head the ball out of your box, clear their lines properly, get the better of the opposing centre-forward. It never changes.
"When we start seeing that a little bit more, my regular back four or back five will take shape."