Billy Jones fitness update as Rotherham United step up survival battle

Jones limped out of last Saturday's 2-1 home win over play-off contenders Nottingham Forest as the third-from-bottom Millers closed the gap on fellow relegation candidates Reading and Wigan Athletic.

The right-back's hamstring issue is likely to rule him out of Wednesday’s AESSEAL New York Stadium clash against high-flying Aston Villa who were 3-1 victors at Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend.

Fellow defender Joe Mattock should be available despite going off against Forest at half-time suffering from the effects of the sickness that had made him a doubt in the build-up to the game.

"I don't think Billy will be okay. Joe should be," manager Paul Warne confirmed. 

"If Billy has a twingy hammy, I'm not risking him on Wednesday and then he's out for the rest of the season."

Warne's men are giving everything in their bid to stay up and there were joyous scenes at New York as they increased the pressure on the teams above them with their third three-point haul in their last six outings.

Centre-half Clark Robertson replaced Mattock at the break and put in a faultless stint at left-back.

"Joe was feeling dizzy," the boss said. "He needs to be worried because I thought Robbo was unbelievable. He played great balls down the line to get us up the pitch and Smudge (Michael Smith) running in behind caused them all sorts of problems. 

"We'll see how Joe is. He'd trained only one day in four leading up to the Forest match."

Meanwhile, Rotherham midfielder Will Vaulks says he feels "honoured" after being named PFA Player in the Community at a London ceremeony.

The 25-year-old won the award for his work with Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice where he is a volunteer and an ambassador.

Will Vaulks at the awards night 

Vaulks said: “It's a nice feeling, one I wasn't expecting. I'm honoured; but it's not about my exposure. It's abour raising awareness of Bluebell Wood and the great work they do.

"It's massive to get this trophy. I’m just glad I can play my part off the football pitch as well as on it.”

His honour came as part of the 2019 EFL Awards evening held in the capital last night.