MISSING man Jordan Hugill is on course for an Easter return as the striker battles back from a knee operation that has kept him out of Rotherham United's squad for the last seven weeks.

The 33-year-old is working out indoors at the club's Roundwood base following successful surgery in London.

If his recovery continues to go to plan, he could be available for selection by the time the bank-holiday weekend comes around in early April.

“His rehab is going really well,” said assistant boss Dale Tonge. “He looks really, really well. He's not on the grass yet, but he's progressing well. He's in really good spirits.”

placeholder image — Rotherham United's Jordan Hugill.

Hugill, whose three-and-a-half-year contract expires in the summer, had made 33 appearances this term, scoring two goals, before being forced out of action following an outing as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with AFC Wimbledon on January 24.

Tonge says the Millers have missed the influence of a senior pro who at one stage in November played through an ankle issue when every other centre-forward at the club was injured

“He's someone who is massive for the group,” the number two said. “He has good leadership qualities. He can do quite a lot in the gym - the light-loading stuff, not weight-bearing yet.

“I'd say he'll be ready by around the end of the month.”

Rotherham are due to play Luton Town at AESSEAL New York Stadium on March 28 before a Good Friday home clash with Stevenage on April 3. The Easter Monday trip to Port Vale is likely to be postponed because of Vale's FA Cup commitments.

Two other Millers players are close to stepping up their comeback bids by leaving the confines of the Roundwood gym and stepping outdoors again.

Wing-back Marvin Kaleta hasn't played since the 1-0 loss at Burton Albion on February 17 because of a hamstring issue while midfielder Kian Spence's absence with a calf problem stretches back to the 1-0 defeat at Bradford City on February 24.

“They're both at a similar sort of stage,” Tonge said. “They're probably a week or so off being on the grass and then a week or so off being back with the main group.”

High-flying Bolton Wanderers are Saturday's visitors to AESSEAL New York Stadium as Rotherham look for points to help them climb higher than 22nd spot in League One.

After scoring only twice in seven matches, the Millers have been focusing on attacking during training this week and Tonge believes that they can get back on the goal trail with the likes of Sam Nombe, Harry Gray and Duncan Watmore up front.

“We've got good players in those areas,” he said. “That's the biggest reason for confidence. We've got to provide them with a service. That, ultimately, is what we've not been doing - or if we have been doing it, it's been too sporadic.”

Rotherham have 11 fixtures left in which to escape the drop zone. Supporters have become restless and Tonge acknowledged their concerns.

“There's got to be an understanding that the fans have got an opinion and the league position doesn't lie,” he said. “There's got to be an acceptance and a responsibility from us while also knowing that there's still a big opportunity to change the season within a short space of time.

“The games come thick and fast. They're very difficult games, but we're fully prepared and the boys look really up for it.”

Meanwhile, young forward Ben Hatton has extended his loan spell at Northern Premier League East Division North Ferriby until the end of the season