Rotherham United man back after long absence
Injuries restricted him to 20 appearances last season and he has played just twice this term.
Missing man Lenny Agbaire has handed Rotherham United a boost by returning to training following more than two months on the sidelines.
The young centre-half suffered a hamstring injury in the first home League Two match of the season, against York City on August 22, and hasn't played since.
He has now put the issue behind him and has rejoined his teammates for outdoor sessions as the Millers' Roundwood base.
"He's back," boss Alex Bruce confirmed on Thursday afternoon. "He trained with us this morning."
The 21-year-old will be a spectator at today's home clash with Shrewsbury Town and Rotherham may not consider him for selection at Swindon Town next Saturday either.
They will monitor the progress of the former Celtic prospect, who has been hit by a number of fitness problems since his 2025 move south of the border, before making a decision.
"Swindon might be a little bit too soon for him because he's been out for a long time," Bruce said. "We'll see how he trains."
Injuries restricted Agbaire to 20 appearances last season and he has played just twice this term.
The Millers go into the Shrews contest in 22nd spot. It's the 13th fourth-tier fixture of the campaign, and Bruce believes it's far too early to make judgements on the rebuilding process he is involved in with head of football Steve McClaren after three years of struggle prior to the pair coming to AESSEAL New York Stadium.
"I think the end of the season will be a time to reflect," the head coach said. "It will give us a gauge as to where we're at as a club - what improvements have been made, what improvements still need to be made."
Bruce is experiencing the pressure of an EFL hot-seat for the first time after a long playing career as a centre-half and time spent as a coach with West Bromwich Albion and Salford City.
"You don't get much sleep," he said. "You wake up at three o'clock and you can't get back to sleep because you're thinking about formations and players and all kinds of stuff.
"You learn on the job every day. It's a great job. It's a job that you thoroughly enjoy, but it gives you headaches and you have to constantly make decisions. You've just got to try to make the right ones more often than not."