The reason why Jordan Hugill hasn't been at his physical peak for Rotherham United so far this season

FRONTMAN Jordan Hugill has spent the opening stages of Rotherham United's Championship season playing through a knee injury, manager Matt Taylor has revealed.

Despite not being fully fit, the striker has started all four league matches, has featured in both of the Millers' Carabao Cup ties and is a likely starter in this afternoon's second-tier home clash with former club Norwich City.

The 31-year-old's only goal so far came in a penalty shoot-out against League Two Morecambe as he's felt the effects of problems dating back to earlier in the summer.

"He has not had a perfect pre-season, with his body and a knee issue he's had persistently," Taylor said. "He's still getting fully up to speed."

The boss is delighted to have brought in hitman Sam Nombe during the final  hours of the transfer window to help take the burden off the 31-year-old whom he recruited on a three-and-a-half-year deal last January.

Rotherham have lined up with Hugill as a sole central attacker in a 4-3-3 formation for most of the new campaign but the arrival of their £1-million-plus record signing gives them more capacity to change shape.

"I am pleased where Jordan's game is getting too," Taylor said. "We have the option of playing two out-and-out centre-forwards. It can only benefit him.

"You'd like to think Sam would balance off a physical platform. He would be the wrecking ball on the back of someone who can link balls from back to front and bring others into play."

The Millers' other strikers are Georgie Kelly and Tom Eaves and they also have Andre Green who can play down the middle or out wide.