Surgery for Clark Robertson but Rotherham United teammate Matt Crooks can carry on playing

The Millers centre-half has been troubled by sore groins for most of the season and a date with a specialist has confirmed the 26-year-old can't continue to play through the pain any longer.

Robertson had been having injections and extensive physio to remain in first-team contention for Paul Warne's promotion-chasers until the problem forced him to limp off during the 4-0 League One win over Peterborough United on December 29.

"Robbo got back to feeling great then tore his stomach," manager Warne confirmed. "He's out for six weeks. He's having an operation this Thursday."

Midfielder Matt Crooks, a top performer against Hull City in the FA Cup last weekend, has experienced similar groin issues but is able to keep playing.

"Crooksy has got his problem under control," Warne said. "Will Vaulks had the same injury last season and controlled it as well.

Matt Crooks

"With pain-killers and constant work from the medical team, Crooksy is able to get around the pitch. His performances have been really good. His pain is manageable."

Meanwhile, Warne dismissed speculation that Championship Birmingham City are interested in signing young Rotherham winger Julien Lamy during the January transfer window.

The French attacker joined the Millers in the summer after a successful trial but has so far made only two starts, both in the EFL Trophy, as Warne tries to develop his talent.

"Birmingham? Wow, that would be some step for Julien, no disrespect to him," the boss said. "I haven't heard anything. If Carlsberg did agents!

"I have had no contact through my club or through my phone from Birmingham.

"Julien has definitely got something. We're just trying to get it out of him."

Rotherham, in second spot in League One, head to fourth-placed Oxford United on Saturday.