Evans won't risk duo in Capital One Cup clash...
Rotherham United boss Steve Evans insists he won’t take any risks with the fitness of his players in tonight’s Capital One Cup clash with Norwich City.Both Joe Mattock and Richie Smallwood will have their condition assessed prior to the clash with the Canaries tonight.
Defender Mattock hobbled off in the game against Preston North End a week ago, having turned in fine performance prior to being withdrawn and the Millers boss is hoping the former Sheffield Wednesday man will be available for selection sooner rather than later.
“Joe is probably 50/50 for tonight,” he told www.themillers.co.uk
“If you look back at when Joe came back in against Forest he was 50/50 on the Friday but he came in on the Saturday and was outstanding. If he’s fit, he’ll play.”
The 25-year-old has worked closely with fitness coach Paul Warne over the summer and Evans believes the left back is at the peak of physical fitness despite his injury.
“His fitness levels are very good, if he’s not there tomorrow we’ll expect him back Saturday.”
Midfield enforcer Richie Smallwood was a casualty in the Millers’ defeat at Loftus Road at the weekend and was substituted at the break. Evans is unsure whether he will have recovered in time to face the Canaries but says he will not take the risk if he is not ready to return to the fold.
“Richie was a little bit tender yesterday morning and we’re not sure if we’ll have him tonight, hopefully we will, but again it’ll be a no risk policy. He had this last season and it was a couple of days so he may be okay."