Rotherham boss Warne explains why he allowed Miller to join Cobblers on loan

Rotherham United manager Paul Warne was full of praise for Mickel Miller's attitude after allowing the winger to leave the club and join Northampton on loan.

The 25-year-old has managed only nine Championship appearances this season after joining the Millers on a two-year deal in the summer.

But despite his limited game-time, Warne still sees Miller as a big part of his plans moving forward and hopes a temporary switch to the Cobblers will be beneficial for all parties.

"He's definitely part of my plans," Warne told the Rotherham Advertiser. "He just wants to play. I saw him down in the dumps in training about three weeks ago.

"I pulled him into the office and had a good chat with him. I said: 'You've just got to keep your levels high in training.' He's a very good trainer.

"I could see a little bit of the spark had gone from his face. He was feeling he just wasn't going to get on the pitch. I get it. I don't want to see any of my players suffering. Unfortunately, some of them have to."

The Croydon-born forward had impressed in flashes, particularly in the 3-0 derby win over Sheffield Wednesday, but Rotherham's recent switch to wing-backs in a 3-5-2 system curtailed his game-time.

Warne added: "He came to see me and said: 'Look, gaffer, when the window opens if something does come up that you think is suitable for me would you consider it?'

"That's a nice way to ask a manager. I said I would. Northampton came forward and he really wanted to go and play. He knows we'll watch every minute he plays. One of my scouts is going to watch him against Oxford United this weekend.

"He can come back next season and make an impact here."