Redfearn confronts his striking dilemma at Rotherham

Neil Redfearn back at Elland Road on Saturday.

Danny Ward suffered a recurrence of his hip injury in Saturday’s game against Leeds United, making him a doubt for Tuesday’s game.

The Millers fell to a 2-0 loss in that FA Cup third-round tie, a third defeat on the spin.

Emmanuel Ledesma, Matt Derbyshire and Jonson Clarke-Harris are the three options to replace Ward in the event of his absence.

Ledesma, Derbyshire and Clarke-Harris were all brought on as substitutes at Elland Road, but none of the trio could have a telling impact on the tie.

Unsurprisingly, with both Ledesma and Derbyshire slightly out of favour at the New York Stadium, forward additions have become something of a priority for Redfearn in his quest to keep the team in the second tier.

Both Alex Revell and Luciano Becchio are targets, with the latter currently on trial with Rotherham to prove his fitness.

Speaking about the his club’s activity in January, Redfearn said: “We have got a couple over the line.

“We have got 11 and seven subs and that is it. Mason Warren was on the bench (on Saturday against Leeds).

“We have got to be careful with what we do. Emmanuel Ledesma came on and showed one or two nice touches, fair play to him.

“But we have got to get better players in to help the lads that are here and that’s apparent.”

One player who has joined Rotherham this month is Aimen Belaid, and Redfearn was full of praise for the French defender’s performance on Saturday.

“I thought he did well, particularly in the first half,” he said.

“He’s got pace, you can see that, he gets out of trouble, he used the ball well, he intercepted things and stepped in and won his headers.

“He played his part and had a good game. It gives Broady that chance to go in and attack things and that is important.”

Rotherham are 21st in the Championship while Brighton are fourth, although the visitors have not won for seven games in a row. The Seagulls remain undefeated on the road in the league this season.

Last six games: Rotherham United LWWLLL, Brighton & HA DLDLLL.

Referee: O Langford (West Midlands).

Last time: Rotherham United 1 Brighton and Hove Albion 0; April 6, 2015; Championship.