Injury reprieve for Frecklington as Evans extends his Rotherham stay

Firstly, the on-loan Millers midfielder was told his back spasm – which forced him out of Tuesday’s shock defeat to Wycombe Wanderers – was not serious and he could return to playing action next week.

That had a major influence on Evans thrashing out an extension to Frecklington’s loan deal from Peterborough and the Millers manager hopes it can become permanent when the transfer window re-opens in January.

The 27-year-old playmaker has quickly become a crowd favourite at the New York Stadium and Evans is keen to keep him. “First let me say I am relieved to have learnt that after being withdrawn at half-time against Wycombe Wanderers, the lad will be missing from first team action for no more than five or six days,” said Evans.

“Frecks is a top player and an excellent professional who it has to be said has been brilliant for me.

“He is loved by the Millers support as well as myself and they, like myself, will be hoping we can now secure the lad on a permanent transfer.

“If everyone is sensible, and I am positive they will be, then I am sure we can get the transfer made permanent but that is now down to those at a much higher level than me at Rotherham United.

“My chairman is as ever extremely supportive and I can only thank him accordingly. He recognises we have the equivalent of a full starting XI out injured at present and understands what we are up against, but also knows we will fight our way through this. He wants us to be competitive and successful; he is incredible.”

It was a busy day yesterday for Evans, who also brought in Blackburn Rovers defender Jack O’Connell, 18, and Huddersfield’s Liam Ridehalgh.

An England Under-19 international, O’Connell follows in the footsteps of another Rovers youngster, left-back Josh Morris, in joining the Millers on loan.

He will provide cover for injured defender Craig Morgan ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Exeter City.