Ward back for a Millers swansong?

It was a hamstring injury, rather than mounting transfer speculation, that ruled the team’s top scorer out of Saturday’s draw at Preston.

Two Championship clubs have registered fresh interest in the 25-year-old and although he looks increasingly likely to leave the New York Stadium this summer, Millers chief Warne would like to have Ward back on board for Sunday’s final game at home to Derby County.

“If Danny can play a part against Derby then I would like to include him,” said Warne. “His attitude has been excellent since the January transfer window and even prior to that and the fact he wants to do well for the lads is a good thing.

“He’s our talisman, he’s got the most goals, but it’s a group ethic here as well and we’re trying to build that for next year.”

Danny Ward's deputy Jonson Clarke-Harris drives forward in Saturday's draw a Preston. Picture: Jim Brailsford

Rotherham’s build-up to the Derby game is expected to include Warne’s number two, widely tipped to be the boss’s former Millers team-mate Richie Barker. The Millers made an official approach to his club, Charlton Athletic, last week.