Millers ace in late test

Sharps injured a hamstring in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy win at Mansfield on Tuesday and immediately seemed a doubt for tomorrow.

Millers manager Mark Robins said the player had been having treatment since in a bid to play.

Robins added he was prepared to give Sharps every opportunity and would wait as long as was felt necessary before making a final decision.

"It was a bit sore straight afterwards but it settled down quickly and wasn't as bad as first seemed," said Robins.

"It was looking 50-50 yesterday and we'll assess him again today. If we have to make a change, then we'll do that and get on without him."

It appears Sharps would do well to completely recover after just a few days.

If he has to miss out then Marc Joseph would slot into centre defence alongside Graham Coughlan.

That would require Robins to replace Joseph at left-back. Stephen Brogan played there on Tuesday.

However, Peter Holmes - who is the wide midfielder on the left - is another doubt after picking up a foot injury last week. It caused him to miss the game at Field Mill.

He will have a late fitness check as well. If he comes through it then he retains his place and it is likely Brogan will stay at left-back.

But if Holmes is out then Robins could take the option of pushing Brogan into Holmes' spot and recalling Paul Hurst at left-back.

"We've been handed some difficult ones at the start of the season and this is another one," said Robins.

"Darlington have started well and their manager, Dave Penney, has been able to bring a few players in, including some that he knows, and they are expected to make a push this time."

Darlington are set to include big striker Tommy Wright who was lined up for a move to Millmoor last season when he was at Barnsley but he preferred instead to move to Darlington on loan which he turned into a permanent move in the summer.