Ben Wiles and the prospect of the fit-again midfielder making Rotherham United's starting 11 during the survival run-in

FIT-AGAIN Ben Wiles is set to be kept waiting for his first Rotherham United start since undergoing ankle surgery at the turn of the year.

The talented midfielder made his long-awaited comeback as a late substitute last Tuesday against Burnley but then missed out on the squad for Saturday’s clash at Bristol City.

The 24-year-old has gone through three and a half months of rehabilitation and manager Matt Taylor is wary of pushing him too hard too soon.

That means more sub outings are the likely way forward in the final three fixtures of the Championship survival push for the player who attracted several bids from Premier-League-bound Burnley last summer.

“Ben will be an impact player from now to the end of the season,” Taylor said.

Wiles returned more than a fortnight ahead of schedule and the boss paid tribute to the manner in which he dedicated himself to his recovery

“It’s testament to Ben that he’s been able to put himself in this position,” Taylor said. “He’s worked so, so hard behind the scenes to make himself available before the close of the campaign. He’s been through some difficult times because the injury has been a frustrating one.”

Wiles was one of 20 players in the travelling party for the Robins game but, along with Hakeem Odoffin, wasn’t named in the matchday 18. The midfield pair went through a fitness session on the touchline at Ashton Gate before kick-off.

Three of Rotherham’s starting back four were nursing injury issues so Taylor included more cover for them among his subs.

“I obviously want Ben on the bench,” Taylor said. “However, we put an extra defender on there because of the situation of those defenders on the pitch. It was the right thing to do as Richard Wood and Wes Harding had to come on.”

Wiles damaged ankle ligaments when he landed awkwardly in the 2-2 Boxing Day draw with Stoke City at AESSEAL New York Stadium and had an operation a few days later. Until then, he had been a league ever-present for the Millers.

He is out of contract at the end of the season and there have been unresolved talks over a new deal.

If no agreement is reached, the club will activate the 12-month option they have on his services.