Concern over Joe Mattock for Rotherham United trip to Bolton Wanderers

The left-back limped out of last Saturday's 4-0 Championship defeat at home to high-flying West Bromwich Albion and was being assessed by the club's medical staff before today's trip to the University of Bolton Stadium.

The 20th-placed Millers need points to stay away from the relegation places while the Trotters are below them in the table and desperate to escape the drop zone.

"Joe Mattock came off with a crack," manager Paul Warne said. "He said his heel was sore. 

He's definitely a doubt."

Midfielder Ryan Manning filled in in defence following Mattock's second-half departure at AESSEAL New York Stadium. The club's only other senior left-back, Ben Purrington, is on loan at AFC Wimbledon.

"Ryan can play there, although he is the most attacking left-back I have ever seen, Warne said. "He did well when he replaced Joe."

Warne may make a couple of others changes for the match at Bolton who are next to bottom and four points behind Rotherham at the halfway stage of the campaign.

"We will go into the Bolton game full of positivity and energy," the boss said. " I was able to freshen the pack a little bit and shake it up against West Brom and can do it again on Boxing Day. 

"I don’t think any team in this league is bad. When we played Reading (1-1 home draw on December 15) some people would have turned up and thought it would be an easy three points, but they outplayed us in periods of that game more than West Brom did. 

"We don't go into any game with any illusions about who we are playing. Bolton are an established Championship team and they are no far away from us. 

"I think we are doing really well and they are not far from us, so there is no way we will under-estimate them."

Meanwhile, forward Ryan Williams has been backed to win a first international call-up in 2019 after missing out on selection for Australia's Asia Cup squad.

The Aussies' decision not to take the 25-year-old to the United Arab Emirates is a boost for the Millers because the player could have been away throughout January.

Williams is frustrated not to have been picked but Warne believes recognition will come at some stage next year.

"It's bad news for him and good news for us, although I feel for him on a personal level," the manager said.

"He's been brilliant for us this year. It is disappointing for him, but hopefully he still gets that chance soon."

Rotherham assistant manager Richie Barker added: "I'm gutted for Willo. He is desperate to play for his country, as would be anyone who is passionate about their nationality. There aren't many people more passionate than Australians. 

"He's very disappointed not to have made it this time, and we're disappointed for him, but it doesn't half make our life a little bit easier in January."