Rotherham United winger Shane Ferguson on German mission in bid to beat injury

The player has been out of action since the end of last season.

SHANE Ferguson's immediate Rotherham United future rests in the hands of a specialist manager Matt Taylor describes as “the best in the world”.

The Millers winger underwent surgery on a hernia in the summer but has experienced complications in his comeback and, a fortnight into the new season, has yet to return to full training.

He flew to Germany yesterday to consult with an eminent surgeon about the next course of action.

“We're sending Shane to the best in the world,” Taylor said. “It's incredible where we can get people in terms of our contacts.

“There could be several outcomes to that. He might have surgery straight away over there, he might have a smaller procedure or he might have an injection.

"He might require further surgery back in the UK or he might just get the nod to crack on and break down scar tissue naturally.”

The Northern Ireland international, who turned 32 a month ago, made 37 appearances last term as Rotherham clinched their Championship survival.

The club activated an extension clause in his contract to keep him at AESSEAL New York Stadium for a further year.

“It's frustrating because we got him to a certain level of fitness out on the pitches but not fully integrated into the squad and he just can't get past that last little stage,” Taylor said.

Ferguson, who moved to South Yorkshire after leaving Millwall in 2021, was hampered by his groin/stomach problem throughout the second half of last term.

He had believed he was close to a complete recovery when he returned for pre-season training on June 26.

“I'm just back running now,” he said at the time. “Hopefully I'll be ready in the next couple of weeks.

"I’d had the issue since Christmas and had to get it sorted. I'm just looking forward to the new season.”