Billy Mercer ready for Rotherham United dugout duty against Wigan Athletic

The defensive duo have taken training this week following the departure of Paul Warne and his coaching team and will be at the helm when Championship action resumes at AESSEAL New York Stadium after the international break.

Former Millers shot-stopper Billy Mercer has been brought in to work with the goalkeepers and the 53-year-old could be trusted with the decision-making during the Latics clash.

It is likely that captain Wood will start. If Peltier is on the bench and then forced into the fray as a substitute, Mercer will take responsibility on the touchline.

"Billy's been great to have around this week," Wood said. "He's really knowledgeable and knows what he's doing. I'm quite happy to have him making the calls on substitutes if necessary."

Mercer, who lives in the town, made more than 100 appearances for the club between 1989 and 1994 and spent more than ten years as keeper coach at Burnley until he left with sacked boss Sean Dyche towards the end of last season.

Rotherham are still seeking a new man to fill their hot-seat and Wood, aged 37, was asked today whether he'd be interested in becoming the next permanent boss.

"I do have aspirations to be a manager," he said. "That's something I've been looking at anyway and I'm doing my coaching badges. I'm just focusing on Wigan.

"All I was told was: 'Take training this week.' All my thoughts are on Wigan and that's the end of it at the moment. I'm open to everything. I'm just enjoying doing at the moment what the club have asked me to do."

Rotherham interviewed two more candidates yesterday but have confirmed there will be no appointment until next week at the earliest.

They have no new injury issues and only long-term absentee Peter Kioso (groin) is unavailable to face Wigan.