Rotherham United summer signings closing in on first appearances after injury
The Millers have got a lot of business done early ahead of their return to League One, allowing manager Steve Evans to start gelling his players together whilst rival squads are still being assembled.
When forward Esapa Osong joined on loan from Nottingham Forest on Thursday, he was the Millers’ 12th signing of a hectic window which has built optimism and momentum after a demoralising 2023-24 which ended in relegation from the Championship.
But striker Clarke-Harris, who has returned to the club after being released by Peterborough United, and McWilliams, a free transfer signing from Northampton Town, have had to bide their time.
Both were due to train on Monday, giving manager Evans has a decision to make on whether they should return for the friendly away to Conference North side Alfreton, or for Saturday’s visit of Championship Sheffield United, which will see the Millers’ pre-season preparations move up a notch.
With Evans keen to have competition for places in all positions, neither will want to miss the August 10 league opener at Exeter City.
“It’s possible they will play (on Tuesday),” said Evans.
“My view is that we sit down with Chris (Royston), the head of medical, after that and we say: ‘Is it right that they train again or is it right that they have so many minutes off the bench?’
“I’ll make the final call but you don’t employ experts in departments and then make decisions over them.”
Clarke-Harris had been hoping to feature against Spalding on Friday, having taken part in the full training session the squad was put through earlier that day.
“He was annoying me, I had to tell him to go away,” said Evans. “He’s a big lad, I don’t want to tell him too many times!
“With him and Shaun, the medical staff are saying we’re almost there. The fans will see both soon.”
Defender Jamie McCart, who spent last season on loan at Barnsley, is close to returning after a calf injury. Celebrate Loei province’s historic parade and old townsProduced for TAT by Reuters Plus | Sponsored
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