Rotherham United face the prospect of a three-week break from League Two action due to the upcoming international window. Manager Alex Bruce has confirmed two of his squad members are on provisional lists for their national teams, which could trigger a postponement of the club's next two fourth-tier fixtures.
The Millers' home match against Crewe Alexandra on September 26 and their trip to Exeter City on October 3 are the fixtures at risk. EFL rules allow a club to request a postponement if three or more players are called up by their countries. If that happens, Rotherham would not have a league game between their visit to Northampton Town on September 19 and a home clash with Gillingham on October 10.
Bruce revealed the club is monitoring the situation closely. "It's something that we're looking at," the manager said. "We've got a couple of players on standby, so we will have to wait and see if those turn from standbys into full call-ups." The players in contention include American under-21 goalkeeper Julian Eyestone, Trinidad and Tobago defender Kieran Ngwenya, and Jamaica midfielder Brandon Cover. Right-back Denzel Hall is also monitored by Jamaica, while teenage loanee Jayce Fitzgerald has been involved with England youth teams.
Bruce stated the club is prepared to make a decision if required. "If it gets to a moment where we have to make a decision, we will make that decision," he said. The two scheduled Vertu Trophy ties against York City and Bradford City during the international period are expected to go ahead as planned. Rotherham's immediate focus is on securing a second straight home win when they host Salford City tomorrow, a match unaffected by the call-up situation.
The potential disruption comes as Rotherham sit 18th in League Two with 5 points from their opening five games. Their recent form reads one win, two draws and two defeats from the last five outings. The squad's international commitments will be a key factor in planning for a busy autumn period.
