Duo eyeing Millers return
Rotherham skipper Ian Sharps and left-back Liam Ridehalgh are hoping to get the nod from manager Steve Evans for the Boxing Day clash with second-from-top Port Vale.
Both had been targeting a return to the back four for Saturday's trip to Bristol Rovers, only for the match at the Memorial Stadium to be called off because of a waterlogged pitch.
The promotion-chasing Millers were angry at the late decision to postpone the game, however. Evans told the club's official website: "What happened with another late call off is just not acceptable. Despite being told the match was not in any doubt when my staff visited Rovers mid-morning it was very clear that the match would not go ahead. The surface had multiple areas of standing water and it is a great shame our supporters did not get any advance warning the match was in serious doubt."
However, the extra day's rest and recuperation has helped United on the injury front.
Evans said: "The treatment room is looking a lot less busy and I must give great credit to my staff who have done a splendid job in working diligently in this area, some weeks to the point of exhaustion.
"The only players not available are Craig Morgan and Lionel Ainsworth, but both should be back with us in early January.
"Dale Tonge and David Noble are back in full training which in itself is great news so competition for places is getting to a level where we need it to be."
Jennison Myrie-Williams is back from suspension for Port Vale.
The winger was ruled out of the Valiants' last game, a 1-1 draw at Cheltenham, through suspension, but is available to make an immediate return to the starting line-up at the New York Stadium.
The 24-year-old was due to play against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday, but with the game being postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, Myrie-Williams has been made to wait a further four days for his comeback.
Cheltenham's 4-1 defeat to Rochdale on Friday night means Micky Adams' men stay in second place in the npower League Two table, despite the postponement.
The Vale Park boss has a fully-fit squad to choose from as his side attempt to get back to winning ways after four games without a victory.
Louis Dodds marked his return to the side with an equalising goal against the Robins, and is set to keeping his starting place.
Source: PA
