The term ‘international break’ is a deceptive one because it’s anything but a break at Roundwood, and Grant Hall is a name who can certainly vouch for that.
The litany of injuries picked up by Hall kept the defender out of competitive action from late February of this year until early October. A return to the starting 11 followed for the Millers hard-fought point against Southampton, only to be struck by another set back in training shortly after.
Since suffering the set backs, the powerful centre half has been keeping his head down and focusing on rehabilitation, itching to get back to full fitness in time for an all-action Yorkshire derby at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
"In terms of games to potentially come back into it's a great one. It'll be tough because they're flying at the moment but we talk about the challenges that every game in this league presents us with.
"We're in a position that means that we need to pick up points, so we have to look at every game as an opportunity to do that,” Hall told www.themillers.co.uk.
"I've had the chance to get two weeks' worth of training before the Leeds game, which I'm hoping to be involved in.
"I think I needed the international break to be honest to make sure that I could get the training load right before putting myself back into that matchday environment.
"At this stage of the rehab it's all about games and match fitness. That's all I'm lacking and is the one thing that you can't simulate. You can do all of the training you want but it isn't the same as the cut and thrust of match action.“
The Millers have had some horrendous luck with injuries throughout the camp, with multiple members of the first team ranks currently sitting out for lengthy spells.
Andre Green, Cameron Humphreys and Tyler Blackett are the amongst the most notable absentees, with diagnoses pending on Cafu, Daniel Ayala and Sam Clucas – all of whom suffered their injuries at Vicarage Road last weekend.
“I think the problem I had before was that the injury situation dictated that I had to be involved and it was tough to be thrown in at the deep end and I feel like the setback came because of that but I'm feeling ready at the moment and I've had a good couple of weeks of training in the bank this time around.
"I've still got to earn my place in the team but I just feel as though, with a run of games, I can really get some momentum as that match fitness comes.”
Matt Taylor parted ways with Rotherham United on Monday, but Hall insists that a change of personnel could light a new fire amongst the Millers’ ranks.
"Everyone will have a point to prove again to whoever is in charge. There are places up for grabs and I'll be looking to show what I'm capable of and hopefully nail a place down.
"We have to carry on working hard and keep our heads down and look to keep moving forwards.
"We're all professionals who have dealt with managerial changes before. It's never nice to see a manager leave and obviously I have a lot of respect for Matt Taylor and what he's done here. He's been fantastic with me and I was sad to see him leave but that's the nature of the beast when it comes to football.”