Fitness updates on Jamie Lindsay, Grant Hall, Tyler Blackett and Josh Kayode with Rotherham United Championship opening day less than a week away

MIDFIELD man Jamie Lindsay is pushing to prove his fitness for Rotherham United's Championship opening-day clash at Stoke City on Saturday.

The 26-year-old's involvement in pre-season has been curtailed by an achilles injury but he is due to return to training tomorrow.

Manager Matt Taylor certainly hasn't ruled out the combative Scot making the 20-man squad for the trip to the Potters.

"Jamie's getting closer," the boss said. "It's a race against time for next weekend but he's got a hell of a chance. We need all our midfielders. They'll all do different jobs at different times."

Taylor has his fingers crossed that two of his centre-halves will be contention to start at the bet365 Stadium where his side gave him the first away win of his Rotherham tenure last term.

Grant Hall came off in the first half of yesterday's 3-0 friendly away win against League One Lincoln City while Tyler Blackett missed out at the LNER Stadium because of illness.

The manager anticipates both players being given the medical all-clear and revealed that Hall, who has a history of hamstring trouble, had been substituted only as a precaution

"Grant just had a bit of tightness in that area," Tayllor said. "His record in terms of injuries isn't particularly strong so we have to be aware of that. We'll assess him throughout the week. We hope he'll be okay, but we won't put him at risk in any way."

Sean Morrison came on to replace Hall and was given the captain's armband that midfielder Ollie Rathbone had been wearing.

"It was good to get Sean on the pitch for a substantial amount of time," Taylor said.

In the Imps clash striker Josh Kayode had his first run-out following a nine-month injury absence and is set for more game-time in Tuesday's behind-closed-doors match with League Two Bradford City at Roundwood.

"I'm pleased with where the group are physically," Taylor said. "We've had little bits and pieces through pre-season but, touch wood, nothing major as yet."