How Matt Hamshaw had to force injured Jordan Hugill not to risk more damage in Rotherham United's cause
MANAGER Matt Hamshaw saved Jordan Hugill from himself as the striker signalled his intention to continue playing for Rotherham United despite his injury troubles.
The incident happened at half-time of the 1-1 draw at Reading yesterday, a result that stretched the depleted Millers' unbeaten record in League One to eight matches.
Hugill had played through the pain of a heavily swollen ankle in the first half and, after making a real contribution, was keen to stay on the pitch for the second period.
However, Hamshaw – conscious of the club's lack of fit frontmen and needing the 33-year-old to be available for next week's home clash with Wycombe Wanderers – overruled the player and brought him off.
“I thought that Jordan did really well today and he wanted to carry on,” said the boss after watching his side – diminished by a double-figure casualty list – take a first-half lead through Josh Benson only to be hit by a late leveller from Charlie Savage.
“He probably couldn't carry on. I'm obviously mindful at the minute that I can't lose another 9 so we're being very careful. It'll be back to really icing up the ankle and hopefully getting it down for next Saturday.
Hugill literally answered Hamshaw's prayers by making the party that travelled to Berkshire on Friday and then declaring himself available on the morning of the contest.
“He'd not trained all week,” the manager said. ”He came out on the grass yesterday and did a bit of team work on in-possession shape.
“He went to bed last night and I said a few prayers. When he woke up, his ankle was okay. If you'd seen it during the week, you’d have thought there was absolutely no way that he was going to play. It's credit to the lad.”
Hugill is the only Rotherham frontman not to have spent time on the sidelines this season. The effect his efforts at the Select Car Leasing Stadium had had on his damaged joint was evident after the match when he was limping heavily as he made his way up a flight of stairs to the team bus.
Despite their lack of numbers, Hamshaw's squad have climbed to 11th spot and are within striking distance of the play-off frame.
“It's credit to the group we've got,” the boss said. “They're all mucking in and digging in for each other.”