Ben Wiles and his Rotherham United comeback

BEN Wiles could be only days away from a return to full training after being kept out of action by ankle surgery since last year.

Rotherham United’s influential midfielder has been undergoing solo sessions at the club’s Roundwood base and manager Matt Taylor says the 23-year-old will step up his comeback by rejoining the main group at some stage next week.

The player (pictured right) has been making swift progress in his recuperation from the damage he suffered on Boxing Day against Stoke City at AESSEAL New York Stadium.

He is still experiencing slight discomfort but, as long as there are no hitches, could still play some part in the final few matches of the campaign as the Millers fight to hold on to their place in the Championship.

“He’s going to do his first team session next week, which is great because I get to see him close up and see how he’s moving and it also means he’s ticked all the boxes with the physios: the straight-line running and the change-of-direction stuff,” Taylor said.

The ‘pinching’ he’s been getting for the last two or three weeks has subsided and doesn’t last for as long.

“We’re really hopeful he feature again this season. The last month of the season is about getting him up to speed again and getting him in a position where he can contribute on the pitch. However, we have to be so, so careful not to rush him,” Taylor added.

Wiles hadn’t missed out on a league squad for three seasons before being stretchered off in the second half of the 2-2 draw with the Potters when he landed awkwardly following an aerial duel.

“He’s ahead of schedule,” Taylor said. “It’s important we make that point. We didn’t expect him to be running at full speed, we didn’t expect him to be outside in the capacity that he is.

“He’s not quite there as yet but he’s taken fantastic strides towards returning to fitness.”

Wiles had made a stuttering start to the season after a summer move to Burnley had failed to materialise despite a series of substantial Clarets bids but had been returning to his best form when he suffered the first serious injury of his career.