Rotherham United v Crewe Alexandra: Millers chief bemoans off-field distractions

Striker Lewis Grabban missed the weekend trip to Barnet to attend the birth of his daughter while Danny Harrison was substituted after struggling to come to terms with his involvement in a car crash 24 hours before.

Although both players are set to start tonight’s home game, Scott said: “Most of the time, you like to get through without revealing it – but we all suffer from issues that arise in our personal lives.

“Everyone has ups and downs. It is something we have to deal with but it affects performances.”

On Grabban, he said: “It was good news and I would like to think it will give him a lift.”

On Harrison, he said: “Physically, he was not bad but mentally it shook him up more than he anticipated.”

The Millers are eight points behind seventh-placed Oxford United with 13 games to go.

Crewe, meanwhile, are two points better off having played a game more.

Manager Steve Davis said: “Rotherham are dangerous. They are decent opponents with good players and a decent budget and they’ll be looking for a good end to the season.”

“We’ve got to go there and be positive because our next two games are away and there are teams around us fighting for the same thing that we are. There’s not much atmosphere at the Don Valley Stadium – you have to make your own atmosphere on the pitch because it’s a little bit distant for supporters.”

Last six games: Millers WWDDLD, Crewe WLWDDD.

Last time: Millers 3 Crewe 1, February 5, 2011, League Two.

Referee: CD Sarginson (Staffordshire).