Paul Raynor talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United assistant manager Paul Raynor is hopeful that Joe Mattock will be available for this weekend’s Sky Bet Championship clash with Charlton Athletic at The Valley.The Millers’ defender has been absent from first team action since being withdrawn in the game against Preston North End at AESSEAL New York Stadium but was heavily involved in the club’s reserve game against Gateshead on Tuesday afternoon.
Raynor was delighted with how the former Sheffield Wednesday man fared on the opening day of the Final Third Development League season and insists he could be in line for selection at the weekend.
“We were always planning on giving Joe 60 minutes. He’s come through a couple of days training and it was good to get him out there and get him an hour of football under his belt,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“Assuming there’s no reaction from Joe he should be fit and available for the weekend.”
Mattock’s absence has seen the likes of Joe Newell, Frazer Richardson and Aidy White admirably occupy the left back slot in recent weeks and Raynor was full of praise for their efforts but admits the former Leicester City man’s return will be a boost.
“We’ve been hit by the injury all season really and we’ve had to play people out of position that have acquitted themselves well, but it would be nice to get Joe Mattock available and ready for first team action.”
Richardson hobbled off in the game against Fulham prior to the international break with a nasty looking ankle injury but has recovered well and completed 90 minutes in the reserve fixture on Tuesday.
Assistant boss Raynor wasn’t surprised by the application of the seasoned defender who turned in an astute performance at Roundwood.
“You know what you get from Frazer, he’s a professional and he goes about his business in that manner. You always get an assured performance from him."