The reason behind Denzel Hall's omission from Rotherham United's squad

The Dutchman wasn't part of the matchday 18 on Tuesday as the Millers crashed to a 3-0 loss at Wigan Athletic that confirmed they will be a League Two side next season.

Many people assumed that the 24-year-old, who had only just returned from a three-month-plus spell on the sidelines with a hamstring problem, was injured or ill. However, Hall's absence was a carefully considered one as Rotherham took no risks with his return to match fitness.

“Denzel couldn't play,” manager Lee Clark said. “He's coming back from a long-term injury and he would have exceeded his minutes had he played. He wasn't re-injured or anything. It was part of the plan.”

The full-back/wing-back had made substitute appearances in the Millers' previous two games and is now in contention for selection for tomorrow's fixture at Leyton Orient.

“With added time, he had 26 minutes at Port Vale and 52 against Barnsley,” Clark said. “He had to come back off it, but he's back available for Saturday.”

Two other players who have been out of action are also set to be named in the squad at Brisbane Road.

Kian Spence and Dru Yearwood have recovered from calf issues and Clark said of the midfield duo: “They will be involved in the 18.”

In light of the club's horrific injury record this season, the boss offered up some gallows-humour caution: ”I'm saying that. Last week, From Friday after training to Saturday night after the game, eight players were wiped from the group!”

Clark, who will be taking charge of his sixth match since his March 18 appointment, is calling on his players to respond to the hurt of relegation by bouncing back and upping their performance level against the O's.

The manager said: “I think they owe themselves, there owe their families, they owe the supporters, the people behind the scenes, everybody, because it's just been a truly awful season for many different reasons. It's a horrible feeling to be relegated.

“We have to do everything we can to give the fans a little bit of respite on a Saturday, give them something to cheer about.”

Clark has said he will field younger members of his squad as he assesses who should and shouldn't be at AESSEAL New York Stadium next season.

“There will be players who are given opportunities who haven't had opportunities so far, then it's up to them,” he said. "Do they want to be part of the Rotherham United future, the Rotherham United rebuild? Because that's what it is going to be, it's going to be a reset and a rebuild.

“This club, not so long ago, has had success, going up to the Championship. This club's done it and it's determined to do it again. It's going to be a huge summer in many, many aspects.

“Do these players who are going to be involved in these last four games want to be a part of that or do they not? It's their choice, it's in their hands.”