Winger Mickel Miller leaves Rotherham United in League One loan deal

The left winger has dropped down a division and joined League One Northampton Town for the rest of the season.

The 25-year-old, who arrived at AESSEAL New York Stadium on a two-year deal from Scottish Premiership side Hamilton Academical last July, has made six starts for the Millers, the last of which came in early November, and has spent most of his time on the bench.

"He's definitely part of my plans," said manager Paul Warne who said the switch to a 3-5-2 system involving wing-backs rather than wingers had curtailed the player's opportunities.

"He just wants to play. I saw him down in the dumps in training about three weeks ago. I pulled him into the office and had a good chat with him. I said: 'You've just got to keep your levels high in training.' He's a very good trainer.

"I could see a little bit of the spark had gone from his face. He was feeling he just wasn't going to get on the pitch. I get it. I don't want to see any of my players suffering. Unfortunately, some of them have to."

The Croydon-born forward had impressed in flashes, particularly in the 3-0 derby win over Sheffield Wednesday, but was behind several other players in Warne's left-flank pecking order.

The boss said: "He came to see me and said: 'Look, Gaffer, when the window opens if something does come up that you think is suitable for me would you consider it?'

"That's a nice way to ask a manager. I said I would. Northampton came forward and he really wanted to go and play. He knows we'll watch every minute he plays. One of my scouts is going to watch him against Oxford United this weekend.

"He can come back next season and make an impact here."

Miller's exit may not be the only loan departure this week as Rotherham make room in their Championship squad for possible new arrivals.

"There has been a lot of interest from League One in a few of our players," Warne said.