The diminutive Bradford City midfielder has been out with an ankle injury for the past month but, having played the full 90 minutes of the reserves' midweek clash against Middlesbrough, he has issued a "count-me-in" plea to boss Stuart McCall, who is without Dean Furman, Lee Bullock, Chris Brandon and Joe Colbeck.

Nix said: "In my head, I want to be involved against Rotherham, as obviously I'm from there. If the gaffer thinks I did enough in the reserves, hopefully I'll be back in. If not, definitely the week after."

Sydney-born Nix – who moved to Yorkshire as a youngster – has plenty of reasons to want to be involved in City's first-ever visit to the Don Valley Stadium.

His father, Peter, played for the Millers in the late 1970s, while there is also the small matter of putting one over ex-Bantams winger and good friend Alex Rhodes, who joined United in the summer.

Nix added: "Obviously, Rotherham have got Alex, who used to play for us and I keep in touch with him. I also know Stephen Brogan, who was doing really well until he broke his leg earlier this year, and Dale Tonge, from my spell at Barnsley."

The jaded Millers are facing their 10th match in just over a month.

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