Scott forced into market for defender as Bradley is ruled out

ROTHERHAM United manager Andy Scott is to step up his search for a new defender after Mark Bradley suffered a dislocated shoulder against Sheffield United.

Bradley will be missing for more than three months and has joined captain Ryan Cresswell, who has damaged ankle ligaments, on the long-term injury list.

With Troy Brown also away on international duty for the Welsh Under-21 squad, the Millers are down to the bare bones defensively for Saturday’s League Two game with Burton Albion.

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“We have a problem which we are going to rectify very quickly,” said Scott. “It’s a massive blow to us and Brads. He’s fought hard to get back into the side and been an exemplary pro.

“With the problems we have been having defensively, in terms of numbers, it’s the last thing we needed. We are now down to four defenders.

“The phone is working but the replies have not been what we are looking for. We can’t afford to get desperate or we will get the wrong players in. But we will keep knocking on the same doors and hopefully get the right answers.”

Although the Millers suffered a 2-1 defeat against the Blades in Tuesday night’s second round Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie, Scott was full of praise for his side’s performance. “I thought we were the better side for long periods,” he said. “If we play like that against anyone in League Two we will beat them.”

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The Blades now have 11 days to prepare for their next game – the Steel City derby against Sheffield Wednesday at Bramall Lane.

After suffering three defeats in the previous four league games, manager Danny Wilson said: “It’s always good to go into a game with a win under your belt and by the time we come to ‘the big one’ I think everyone will be up and ready for it. It was a tough draw coming to another place in Sheffield and we knew we would have to scrap and battle.”

Wilson has ruled out moves for either Danny Webber or Kyle McFadzean. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing is expected to be fit for the Sheffield derby.