Rotherham United manager Matt Taylor on injuries and signing players with chequered fitness records

The Millers were down on numbers because of injuries before they even kicked a ball this year and the list of casualties since opening day has grown longer and longer.

Taylor, operating on one of the smallest budgets in the Championship, believes that the intensity of the second-tier schedule is one factor behind so many members of his squad being sidelined.

He also says that gambling on signing people with less-than-perfect previous records has been the only way he has been able to bring in the kind of playing quality needed in the division.

“It's the load,” he said. “This is not a criticism, but we get these players as there's been something missing in the past, whether that's appearances, longevity or injuries. That's why they are with ourselves.

“We have to accept that and find a way of offsetting that with players who stay available.”

The roll call of missing men this term stretches into double figures and the heart of the backline has been hit particularly hard.

Three experienced centre-halves with chequered fitness backgrounds - Sean Morrison, Grant Hall and Tyler Blackett - were given one-year deals in the summer and have spent varying amounts of time out of action.

Right-back Lee Peltier, who offers centre-back cover, also agreed a 12-month contract and has sat out much of the opening quarter of the campaign.

Taylor said: “If Tyler had played 36 games in the Championship last season would he be with Rotherham United? No. The same with Sean and Grant. We have to appreciate that. These are serious players.

“It's incredibly frustrating and disappointing, but it's understandable with where we are and what we can get.”

Taylor instigated improvements to medical and testing facilities at the club's Roundwood base during the summer but, so far, they have failed to improve an injury situation that also affected the Millers last season.

The boss is planning to hold more sessions at AESSEAL New York Stadium, which has a more durable surface following recent work, until drainage issues on the two training pitches can be resolved.

Most absences have been caused by hamstring and calf muscle injuries and Taylor says his players are constantly stretched right to - and sometimes beyond - their physical limits by the relentless demands of the league.

“The strength of the Championship is incredible,” the manager said. “It takes its toll. People say it's the most challenging league in the world and you can understand why.”