Why new arrival Curtis Tilt wasn't involved for Rotherham United against Lincoln City and why boss Paul Warne could keep him waiting

The centre-half arrived at AESSEAL New York Stadium on the final day of the January transfer on a permanent deal from Blackpool and didn't make the squad for last Friday's win at Lincoln City because of a minor injury.

Manager Paul Warne wants to work on Tilt's fitness and, with central defenders Michael Ihiekwe and Richard Wood in fine form, is in no rush to blood the 28-year-old.

"Curtis has got a little bit of a problem with his glute," the boss said after the 1-0 victory at Sincil Bank had consolidated Rotherham's place at the top of League One.

"He could possibly have played. I need to get him fit. I need him to be as fit as all my other players.

"If it means that he isn't involved for the next two or three weeks but we get him in shape I'm good with that.

"Then if he is needed for the last ten games, great. If I keep him around the squad but don't get him fit he isn't going to be the player I want.

"While everyone is playing well and there's no need for him, we can do work with him behind the scenes and get him in the shape we want."

Left-back Joe Mattock missed the Imps clash as a precaution after being bothered by his troublesome back again and his place was taken by young midfielder Ben Wiles.

"Joe could have been involved tonight," Warne said following the Millers' eighth victory in their last nine league outings.

"I love Wilesy as left-back. I've even joked with the lads that had we played Joe tonight we'd have been in trouble because Wilesy is ten metres quicker.

"Wilesy got out of trouble well. He had a little wobble in the first half when he tried to play his way out when he just had to put his foot through the ball but he was indicative of our performance. He was dogged and gave everything, like he always does."

Warne headed off for a weekend break with his family still waiting to hear the outcome of centre-half Clark Robertson's date last Thursday with a foot specialist.

Robertson is thought to have broken a metatarsal bone while running during his recovery from stomach surgery.

Young striker Josh Kayode is back temporarily from his loan spell at League Two Carlisle to receive treatment on a leg injury.