Fitness coach Paul Warne talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Midfielder Joe Newell is making good progress as he bids to be fit for the start of pre-season training.
The former Peterborough playmaker is on the comeback trail after an operation on his ankle at the back end of last season.
Newell is now stepping up his rehabilitation during the close season as he looks to be ready for when the first team squad report back following their summer break.
“Joe is doing a lot of strengthening work at the moment,” fitness coach Paul Warne told www.themillers.co.uk
“He isn’t in a position when he can run at this stage; we are hoping to have him ready for that around July a few weeks after the lads start back for pre-season training.”
Newell enjoyed a successful first season at AESSEAL New York Stadium scoring five times in 38 appearances in all competitions.
He scored the winner for the Millers against Leeds United at Elland Road, and was also on the scoresheet in the home victories over Bolton Wanderers and Hull City.
His season was brought to a premature end last month following the draw with Nottingham Forest, with the 23-year-old going under knife after the Millers secured their Championship status.
“I have been working a lot with him in the pool. He is doing around four sessions a week now and he is progressing well,” Warne continued.
“When he comes back into the training ground we’ll have to see if he is ready for the extra stresses of multi-dimensional running.
“He is a fit lad and in the gym his attitude is first class so I expect that when he does get the green light to start running he won’t be too far behind the rest of the group.”