Training breakthrough for Rotherham United's Angus MacDonald

The centre-half, who hasn't played this season because of an unspecified condition, had been working out on his own with the medical staff for several weeks as the Millers took no risks with his progress.

But a big breakthrough came yesterday as he was back among his teammates on the pitches at the club's Roundwood training complex.

"Angus joined in, which is great news," said manager Paul Warne. "That starts another stage of his rehab."

The 29-year-old, an impressive performer last season in his first year at AESSEAL New York Stadium, still has a way to go before he is in first-team contention and isn't expected to be ready until January.

Rotherham, top of League One after Tuesday's win at Ipswich Town, head to Oxford United tomorrow and may have a player missing from their squad.

"I had one pull out of training this morning," said Warne yesterday. "I don't really want to discuss it. It's not long term, just a bit of a tweak in his hamstring. Apart from that we have no issues."

Midfielder Ollie Rathbone has recovered from illness and will be in the matchday 18 at the Kassam Stadium, as will goalkeeper Josh Vickers who was pulled out of the side at Ipswich minutes before kick-off when his groin was sore in the warm-up.

"Ollie is training with the group again and is good to go," Warne said. "I could have taken him to Ipswich but he trained on Tuesday with the youth team instead.

"Josh Vickers is available to be in the squad but I don't think he's right to start."