Alex Bruce opens up on the Rotherham United goalkeeper choice he must make this weekend

Boss Alex Bruce today faced up to his dilemma as he decides who to chose as his starting goalkeeper for Rotherham United's League clash at table-topping Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

The head coach is contemplating handing a debut to young Premier League loanee Julian Eyestone following Ted Cann's poor display in the 2-2 draw at Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday.

He revealed that there are several factors consider as he makes up his mind who to put his faith in for a challenging afternoon at the Memorial Ground.

"If you play well, you normally keep your place," Bruce said. "One thing that I will say is, I'm not just going to make rash decisions on one bad performance.

"I think there are lot of players who've done well for us, and, realistically, everyone's not going to play well every single week. It's important not to be rash. I mean, if I got dropped every time I had a bad game, I would never have played.

"People will get their opportunities for one reason or another. It's about picking the right fixture at the right time to throw people in.

"Bristol Rovers is a tough game away from home. I have to be mindful of that."

Cann has started all five games this season. He was at fault for goals In a 4-1 defeat against West Bromwich Albion in the Carabao Cup, then had three steady outings in the league before his standards slipped at Prenton Park.

Twenty-year-old Eyestone, who is highly rated by parent club Brentford who have given him a contract until 2031, joined Rotherham last month and appeared in a private friendly against Sheffield United.

"He's done well, he's adapted really well," Bruce said. "You can see he's got ability and potential.

"He's not played any football in the Football League, that's the thing. I have to box clever with it. I have to pick the right game for the one he's going to be put into. They'll both play this season, there's competition for places.

"Julian will get his opportunity, whether it be to freshen things up or to rest someone. I don't like using the word, 'dropped', because we're going to need all the players over the course of the season.

Meanwhile, the Millers have injury issues in midfield, but can turn to another young loanee, 19-year-old Manchester United prospect Jayce Fitzgerald, who made an eye-catching debut as a second-half substitute at Tranmere.

Jamie Jellis is certain to miss the Rovers contest while Kian Spence is a major doubt.

"Jayce is someone who I've known for a while," Bruce said. "I've got decent connections at Manchester United for obvious reasons (father Steve played there). Michael Carrick (manager) and Darren Fletcher (under-18s coach) are lads who I've known for a long, long time.

"Our head of recruitment, Rob Scott, and his team have got a connection with the club as well through doing the Dan Gore deal in the past.

"Jayce has got quality. There's nothing better than seeing a young lad come on the field, play in the Football League for the first time and just go on there with no fear.

"He grabs the bull by the horns, he tries things, he plays the ball forward. It's exactly what you want to see."