Rotherham United supporters checking the teamsheet at 2pm on Saturday will have been given a big boost ahead of Saturday’s hosting of Huddersfield Town in the Sky Bet Championship, with defender Tyler Blackett named among the substitutes.
The former Manchester United defender - who signed a contract extension in the summer - had been one of the Millers’ standout performers in the opening months of the campaign, but had been out of action since September after needing surgery on a torn hamstring.
Whilst the 0-0 draw with the Terriers came too soon for Blackett to make a starting appearance, having the 29-year-old back in the squad will have given everyone at AESSEAL New York Stadium a lift, including Tyler himself.
And now he’s hoping he can hit the ground running, once he does make his long awaited return to the pitch.
“I’m recovering well,” Blackett told www.themillers.co.uk.
“It’s been a long process, but I’m feeling great at the moment. The clock is ticking down until my return and I’m ready to get back out there and play again.
“Sometimes with injuries like mine that keep you out for a while, it can take a bit of time to get back into the swing of things, but I’m hopeful and confident that it won’t take too long before I’m back at my best.
“The boys at the back have done well I think given the circumstances, what with our horrible luck with injuries – especially Haks since he’s stayed fit throughout.
“Cam’s obviously back now too which can only be good. For me, I’ve got the same mindset and the same goals as I had the start of the season, and that’s to be the best that I can be. Hopefully that will help me pick up where I left off until the end of the season."
The 2023/24 campaign is one which has been blighted with injury misfortune for the Millers, who lost their two top performing defenders in September, with Blackett joining Cameron Humphreys in the treatment room, when the former Manchester City man also picked up an injury against Preston North End.
Having formed an effective partnership on the pitch, the pair would spend time together off of it in their injury rehabilitation, something which Blackett believes has only strengthened the pair’s understanding.
Now, he is targeting a strong finish to the campaign for himself and the team, with eight games remaining when the season resumes after the international break.
“Me and Cam have always shared a positive relationship both on and off the pitch anyways, but I do think our time in the treatment room has strengthened that.
“We had plenty of hours in the gym, and did a lot of rehab together. Obviously, it’s not where either of us wanted to be but I can safely say we’ve made the most out of it and bonded throughout the process.
“These boys are fighting, trust me. They’re doing the absolute most they can and I can vouch for that from behind the scenes, they’re just coming up short in the games recently. This season has thrown plenty of curveballs our way, but we’re all well aware that as long as we stay united as a group, we can finish the season strongly.”