Rotherham United boss Paul Warne offers update on Shaun MacDonald ahead of Bournemouth trip
and live on Freeview channel 276
The midfielder, who missed several months earlier this season with a broken leg, was struggling with a calf injury.
But scans on Monday came back all clear and he trained on Tuesday to put himself in contention against his former club.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBoss Paul Warne said: “With Jamie Lindsay out, I would have been down to four midfielders and would literally be that I couldn't move anyone.
“It is a massive having Shaun, not just for his playing prowess, just his presence in the team has a massive impact, the lads look up to him.
“It is a massive bonus he is travelling.”
Lindsay is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a hamstring tear, while Chiedozie Ogbene is also out with a long-standing knee problem.
Saturday's postponed game with QPR did at least give some aching bodies chance to recuperate and the Millers make the long trip south in good spirits.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdTwo of their in-form players are Matt Crooks and Michael Smith and Crooks their partnership is instinctive.
Crooks scored his sixth goal in four games during last week's 2-1 defeat to Cardiff and it was set up by Smith.
The two have combined on numerous occasions over the Millers' recent good run of form and Crooks says it is all natural.
“It just seems to work,” he said. “I feel like he creates space for me because his presence takes up so much of defenders' attention.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“It kind of allows me to roam a bit more and run in behind and take up different positions. They don't pick me up.
“The goal against Cardiff, for example.... he was out wide and it just needed me to find a space in the box. He put in an unbelievable ball for me to tap it in. It's working well and long may it continue.
“We just go out and play. I won't say what we do say to each other because I don't want to give it away to defenders but he gives me a few pointers now and then.
“We watch our clips back and sometimes I hammer him if I think he can slide me in but takes an extra touch.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Away from the pitch, we usually talk about home stuff - how our kids and partners and doing and things like that. He's a good friend of mine. I'll keep him touch with him when our football careers are done.”
More from The Star on Rotherham United
Thank you for reading this article, one of dozens we publish every single day to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club. This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our sports-only package.
You'll find all the details at https://www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions/sports.
Your support is much appreciated.