For Millers' defender Marc Joseph, it's the former and he is set to forego the sun and sand for shivering temperatures as he bids to get his and Rotherham's fortunes back on track.

Antigua and Barbuda footballing officials have been in touch with Joseph about turning out for them in the Caribbean Cup in December, with the former Hull and Blackpool ace having made his debut for the West Indian footballing minnows in the summer.

Unfortunately for Joseph, matters at Rotherham are more pressing, especially with the 32-year-old back out of the wilderness after largely cooling his heels on the substitutes bench for the bulk of this term.

Joseph, who made his international debut against St Kitts at the Viv Richards cricket ground in Antigua in June, told Yorkshire Sport: "They've (Antigua and Barbuba FA) been in touch.

"At the minute, they are competing in the Caribbean Cup and are through to the second round and play three games in six days in December.

"Obviously, I've said that if I'm involved in the first team here, I couldn't commit myself. They fully understand that, it's just one of those things.

"The experience has been fantastic for me. When I went there in the summer, it was amazing and I'll never forget playing the likes of Cuba in a World Cup qualifying game."

But sandy beaches aren't in Joseph's thoughts, more helping to turn the tide at Rotherham following a recent dip.

Joseph, recalled for just his fourth seasonal start in Saturday's 2-0 loss to Bradford, kept his place for Tuesday night's mammoth trip to Exeter, United's 11th game in just over a month.

Mark Robins' troops went into the match on a four-match losing streak, but stopped the rot in a 1-1 draw at St James' Park – although it could and perhaps should have yielded victory.

That said, United showed buckets of character to hit back after Ben Watson fired the Grecians in front in the first period, although they needed an excellent penalty save from on loan 'keeper David Stockdale, which keep them in proceedings.

Millers should the hosts how it should be done from 12 yards on 66 minutes when sub Reuben Reid coolly fired home to end his side's scoring drought – which had lasted 462 minutes – well over seven-and-half-hours.

While it was only a point, it at least made the trip worthwhile and put United in decent heart ahead of this weekend's welcome break in their schedule.

Joseph said: "It was good to put those defeats behind us, at least.

"We've produced good performances in the last two games and we can take lots from them.

"Things didn't go for us against Bradford, but at least they did a bit more on Tuesday.