Fitness update on Richard Wood and Shane Ferguson as Rotherham United prepare for visit of Gillingham

Skipper Richard Wood came off at half-time of Friday night's 1-0 FA Cup win over Stockport County while wing-back Shane Ferguson missed the second-round tie because of illness.

Both should be in the frame to face a Gills side managed by former Millers boss Steve Evans.

"Woody felt his groin," said present boss Paul Warne. "He tested really well with the physio at half-time - he had full strength and full range - but we substituted him as a precaution.

"I'm led to believe he should be all right for Tuesday night, so that's good."

Table-topping Rotherham feared Ferguson may have contracted coronavirus but his condition turned out to be much less serious and he trained with the club's physical team on the day of the County clash.

"He's been ill," said Warne after Michael Smith's 15th goal of the season had seen off a spirited County challenge.

Shane Ferguson

"We were worried because there seems to be only one illness these days: you can only have Covid. As soon as anyone turns up with a sore throat, we're panicking.

"Fortunately Shane passed his PCR test and will be okay for Tuesday."

The Millers stretched their unbeaten run to 18 matches as they put their name in the hat for Monday's third-round draw.

They were taking no chances with their captain's fitness even they he might have been able to see out Friday's game.

"Woody was a bit of a miss because he was a physical presence against (Stockport striker) Scott Quigley, although I thought Michael Ihiekwe did well in the second half," Warne said.

"You do miss Woody on the marshalling of the line for set-pieces. He is the boss of those. I wasn't go to take a risk on getting another 45 minutes out of him only to then lose him for six weeks."

Today's EFL Trophy draw has given Rotherham a last-16 away tie at fellow League One side Crewe Alexandra. The match will be played at Gresty Road the week beginning January 3.