Paul Warne talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Kyle Vassell is set to re-join full training this week as he continues to make good progress on the injury front.
The former Blackpool ace has been sidelined with a groin problem, but is set to train this week as his rehabilitation is again stepped up.
With Jamie Proctor out for the remainder of the campaign, the return of Vassell for the season run-in is key to the Millers’ chances of Championship survival, with boss Paul Warne only able to call on the services of Michael Smith and Jerry Yates in attack.
The Northern Ireland international will be monitored closely this week, after his comeback from injury in January was cut short.
Boss Paul Warne told www.themillers.co.uk:
“We'll have Kyle Vassell training with us this week which is good news.
“We only really have a couple missing now on the injury front.
“Sean Raggett has gone back to Norwich, so it is only really Jamie Proctor now missing. If Vass comes back that's great. Obviously it is different training with the lads than working with the fitness coach, so we'll see how he comes through this week. It might be an opportunity this weekend, it might not. We’ll have a good look at him this week.”
Vassell arrived at AESSEAL New York Stadium during the close season, signing from League One side Blackpool.
He enjoyed instant success with the Millers, operating initially as a central striker, before moving to a wide role.
His early season form earned him a call up to the Northern Ireland squad, making two appearances for the national side.
The Millers return to first-team action this weekend at Derby, after the majority of Warne’s side enjoyed a weekend off for the international break.
With eight games remaining, Warne knows he’ll have to fully utilise his squad, with six games on the menu during a busy April.
Warne said: “At this time of the season, you have to dip into your squad all the time, the starting 11 rarely stay the same. You obviously have to contend with injuries and suspensions at this time of year, so we really have to keep a close eye on the ones on the outside.”