Millers boss takes patient approach

The 32-year-old former Republic of Ireland man came off at half time against Hull City on Saturday with a calf strain and although the injury isn’t as bad as first thought, he will not play against Wanderers but could be back for Tuesday’s trip to Fulham.

Redfearn said: “When he comes back, we want him back, we don’t want him in and out of the treatment room. It was disappointing for the lad to come off on Saturday and if you look at the three games he’s started, we’ve kept three clean sheets. It’s not just down to him but it is apparent he makes a difference.”

Striker Leon Best is available after sitting out the last two matches with a groin problem. That will need to be managed between now and the end of the season but so strong were the Millers against Hull that he may well not come straight back into the starting 11.

Redfearn added: “Leon has  had  injections from the specialist. We’ve got to the bottom of what the problem is and it is something he can play through. He’s in contention for Saturday but he has to fight his way into the side.”

Rotherham will be forced into another change after loan man Luke Hyam’s return to Ipswich due to injuries at Portman Road. The midfield man is highly thought of by Town boss Mick McCarthy and is expected to force his way back into contention there.

There’s a normal 3pm start at the NYS on Saturday and tickets are selling fast. They are available at the ticket office today until 2pm and at  www.rotherhamunitedshop.co.uk