Neil Redfearn is hoping to have Leon Best and Stephen Kelly back available...
Rotherham United boss Neil Redfearn is hoping to have duo Leon Best and Stephen Kelly back in the first team fold for his side’s Sky Bet Championship clash with Hull City on Saturday.Both players were ruled out of action for the short trip to West Yorkshire in midweek but are nearing a return as the Millers prepare for the visit of the Tigers to AESSEAL New York Stadium.
The Millers’ chief has been without experienced former Newcastle United forward Best since his dismissal at Elland Road last month before he was forced to sit out of the trip to Huddersfield in midweek as a result of a groin injury.
Redfearn explained that he would be keeping a keen eye on the 29-year-old’s progress in the treatment room and believes his return will provide his attack with a huge boost.
“We’re still monitoring Leon’s groin. He’s got a groin problem and we’re hoping it’s not a hernia but it resembles something similar to one which is obviously a real disappointment because Leon is important to us,” Redfearn told www.themillers.co.uk
“You see when he plays the difference he makes to other players up there with him. We’ve got a striker there that gets hold of the ball and it sticks and we can get past stage B then. We’re hoping that we can get him out and get him fit for Saturday.”
The Millers’ boss is also eagerly anticipating the return of Republic of Ireland international Kelly, who was instrumental in the wins over Leeds United and Bristol City and admits he was close to being involved in the game at the John Smith’s Stadium.
“I think Kells will be available. He looks like he’s going to be okay and he’s an important player for us,” he enthused.
“He played in the two victories that we had and it was no coincidence that we kept two clean sheets.
“He’s been back training all week. We didn’t want to risk him at Huddersfield but he was roundabouts but not quite ready and we just wanted to make sure that we got him back for the rest of the season. The last thing we wanted to do was lose him for another six weeks because he is that important for us.”
Redfearn’s defensive options could be bolstered further by the recovery of Farrend Rawson this weekend. The Derby County defender has been receiving treatment for a hernia recently but has returned to the training ground and is close to match action.
“I don’t think Faz is far away to be honest. He’s had a good week’s training at Derby and he’s had a couple of days with us and he looks okay and says he feels fine.”
“He’s a young guy so he’s not going to miss out too much on match fitness and he’s at a stage of his career that he can carry that,” the Millers’ boss added.
“We’ve got players vying for positions now and that’s what we want."