TOWELL’S RACE FOR FITNESS

RICHIE TOWELL will have to overcome injury to feature for the Republic of Ireland next week.

The former Dundalk star was this week called into Martin O’neill’s provisional 32-man squad for the first time.

But Towell (above) has a knee problem that caused him to miss the midweek draw with Bristol City. He is also a doubt for today’s clash away to Birmingham City.

However, Millers boss Paul Warne (inset) will allow Towell travel to Dublin to be assessed by the Irish medical team.

The squad gathers in Dublin on Monday ahead of training for the Nations League clash with Denmark on Saturday and Wales three days later.

Warne said: “There’s always that element of worry but if he was my son would I want him to go to the international call-up for the first time? Damn right I would.

“If that gives him a boost and he comes back a better player then great.

“As a manager I’ve a responsibility to put the best team out and do the best I can for Rotherham.

“But I still have a responsibility to do what’s right for him and what’s right for him is without a shadow of doubt is represent his country, make his family proud.”

Warne believes Towell’s work ethic will impress a tough taskmaster like Roy Keane. He added: “If he trains the way he can, Roy will really like him. I don’t know what he’ll think of his (whitened) teeth but he’ll really like him as a footballer!”