Rotherham United: Why Jamie Lindsay missed Southend trip and when he could return

The Scot missed last Saturday's visit to Southend to be with his sick baby son, who has been in hospital in Glasgow.

But with six-week-old Jaiden's health improving Lindsay could feature against the Cod Army.

"I've asked for Jamie's permission to explain why he was missing (at Southend)," said Rotherham manager Paul Warne.

"Otherwise people will think I've been having an early Christmas tipple if I've not involved him in the squad.

"Unfortunately, Jaiden became ill last week. Jamie has gone back to Glasgow where his son is in hospital.

"Jaiden is recovering now. He's coming through it. He's still in hospital, though, and obviously I've given Jamie time to be with his partner and his son."

The Millers missed Lindsay in their midfield against the Shrimpers as they became just the second away side not to win at Roots Hall this season.

They may have been able to force a late 3-2 win had the hosts been reduced to 10 men in the second half, something Warne felt should have happened.

Brandon Goodship took Millers right-back Matthew Olosunde out with a reckless tackle but was lucky to only see the yellow card.

Millers skipper Michael Ihiekwe was also handed the same punishment for his reaction to the foul, which left Warne shaking his head.

"I understand that if an opponent breaks and you trip them or pull their shirt it's a yellow card. But that foul was worse than that," the boss said.

“It looked a straight-leg, absolute-chaos tackle.

“ You can see that by the way everyone reacts. I thought it was a stinker.

"The sad reality is that my captain gets the same punishment for moaning to the ref about the challenge as the player who's done it.

“ A t the time, and I was quite close to it, I thought it was poor."

Olosunde was not injured in the tackle and was able to carry on.

Meanwhile, a youthful reserve side, that featured two trialists, beat Shrewsbury 2-0 in the Central League Cup.