Injuries in Rotherham United camp, plus an update on Zak Jules

Attacker Hungbo suffered an ankle knock in the League One opening-day loss at Exeter City last weekend while right-back Rafferty picked up a groin issue in the same game.

Neither made the squad for Tuesday's 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Crewe Alexandra but the Millers are optimistic that both will be in the frame when old boss Taylor returns to AESSEAL New York for the first time since his November sacking.

“They should hopefully be okay,” said Rotherham manager Steve Evans after naming only seven substitutes instead of the permitted nine against the Alex.

He revealed that injury problems had prevented him from including some of the club's young players on the bench.

“Ben Hatton's got a knock, Jake Hull's got a knock, Ciaran McGuckin's not available,” he said.

“It would have been a wonderful opportunity for young Ben who got me off my seat and the kop off their seats when he last played (in the Doncaster Rovers friendly on August 3).

“People say we've got a big squad but when a few go out we are down to the seven subs.”

Centre-half Zak Jules is nearing a return after his absence for the first two matches of the season.

“He's close,” Evans said. “He was ill and had a wee niggle at the same time. The medical team are telling me he's hopefully on the grass on Thursday.”

A couple of players were struggling in the second half against Crewe but the squad came through the first-round tie unscathed.

“We're pleased with that,” Evans said. “I thought there was a problem when Christ Tiehi went down but he was just cramping up in his hamstrings and groins. The decision of the medical team was to get him off. I've spoken to him and he says he'll be fine.

“Shaun McWilliams cramped up as well. It's the longest he's played at that intensity since he joined us in the summer. It's different playing Doncaster in a testimonial to playing in the cup against Crewe who are a good side.”