Medical checks and the missing men: the aftermath of Blackpool and the build-up to Rotherham United's Tuesday trip to Reading

INJURED loan signing Leo Hjelde is one of a number of players who will be checked out by medical staff tomorrow as Rotherham United build up to their next Championship challenge.

The 20th-placed Millers head to Reading on Tuesday night unbeaten in their last four matches and looking to increase the four-point gap between themselves and the drop zone.

Young left-back Hjelde, who joined the club on loan from Premier League Leeds United in the January transfer window, missed yesterday's 0-0 draw at Blackpool because of an ankle issue but hasn't been ruled out of the Royals clash.

"We will assess him on Monday," manager Matt Taylor said.

The 19-year-old Norwegian had excelled in three outings before sustaining ligament damage in the derby draw with Sheffield United last weekend. Cohen Bramall took his place at Bloomfield Road and was one of Rotherham's best performers.

Other players who will come under scrutiny are another new boy, striker Jordan Hugill, and centre-half Grant Hall as Taylor considers shuffling his pack.

Hugill has started the last two games but has been hit by illness since his Millers arrival while Hall completed a full match for the first time in more than three months against the Seasiders following two hamstring problems.

"Jordan is still not right," the boss said. "He's still has a chesty cough and isn't physically quite where we want him to be.

"Hally has played his first 90 minutes for a while. We have to assess it. I don't want to put anyone at risk."

Centre-half Richard Wood, midfielder Jamie Lindsay, striker Georgie Kelly and wing-back Peter Kioso are all fit but didn't make the squad for the Blackpool match.

Lindsay and Kelly travelled with the Millers party to the north-west coast as back-up to the matchday 18. Wood and Kioso weren't involved.

Taylor said of Bramall's impact: "I couldn't fault what he did against their biggest threat on the outside of the pitch (Josh Bowler). Plus, he gave us an attacking outlet.

"I have spoken at length about needing competition for places because then players can't allow themselves to fail - if you want to play, you have to perform."