Boss Matt Taylor on his concern over Rotherham United's centre-half department

Grant Hall in action for Rotherham United at Southampton in the Championship last weekend. Picture: Jim Brailsford

SERIOUS injuries to two key men have left manager Matt Taylor facing one of his biggest challenges of the season as he bids to keep his centre-half department functioning during Rotherham United's quest to stay in the Championship.

Severe hamstring tears have robbed him of regular pairing Cameron Humphreys and Tyler Blackett until the New Year and he is now relying on two players, Lee Peltier and Grant Hall, who have only just returned from long injury absences of their own.

The only other recognised senior central defender, Sean Morrison, is close to a return but has also been in the treatment room.

“I will be honest, I am worrying about whether they will ‘break’ in that period while I am trying to get them up to speed,” said Taylor whose 23rd-placed team are next in action a week tomorrow at home to Ipswich Town who will arrive at AESSEAL New York Stadium in second spot.

“We don't have the numbers to offload the demands on Pelts and Hally. We can maybe offload down the outside and at top end of the pitch, but certainly can't offload at centre-back, which is a real problem for us.

“How we withstand the pressure of all these injuries, I have not got the solutions to all those questions as yet, even more so when they involve influential players in important positions.”

Peltier, who has overcome calf trouble, is a right-back but offers quality cover at the heart of the defence.

The 36-year-old made only his second start since opening day at Southampton last Saturday and was outstanding as the Millers fought a rearguard action in a 1-1 draw.

Hall, aged 32, his partner in the middle of the backline, was starting for the first time this season after being out with hamstring problems since late July.

His talent is unquestioned but his availability has been restricted by injuries throughout his career.

“How we've missed Pelts' character and resolve and Hally's class,” said Taylor after the trip to St Mary's Stadium. “These kind of players glue the group together.

“I just hope that Hally's going to be okay. On the back of Cam and Tyler and how Moz's body is, it's great to get him back and through a certain amount of game-time.”

Morrison, who underwent quad surgery last season after being out for nearly a year with cruciate-knee-ligament damage at previous club Cardiff City, has been sidelined by a calf complaint and hasn't made the squad since September 2.