Matt Hamshaw on the issues that could see loan striker Martin Sherif leave Rotherham United early

The hulking Everton teenager is an obvious talent and big things were expected of him after he marked his Millers debut with a goal in the 2-2 home draw with Wigan Athletic back on August 23.

However, since then he has been sidelined by three hamstring issues that have restricted him to just 10 outings and led to the likelihood that he will return to his Premier League parent club in the new-year transfer window.

“It's been really hard for Martin because he's not consistently stayed fit, has he?” Hamshaw said.

“I think that he's got a lot to learn but I also think that he's got a lot to give. He just needs a constant run of men's football and then I think you'll see the best of him. We haven't had the luxury of doing that, so everything's been a bit bitty.”

The 19-year-old has managed only three starts and four substitute appearances in League One, with the rest of his action coming in the Carabao Cup, Vertu Trophy and FA Cup.

Only once has the two-goal frontman lasted a full game - and that was the Wigan clash when he introduced himself to the AESSEAL New York Stadium crowd by pouncing late on in front of the North Stand to put his side 2-1 in front.

The other strike for the forward, who made Everton's first-team bench last term, came in another 2-2 home draw, against Bradford City, on October 2.

The Liberian-born former Dutch youth international has been in the treatment room since the November 15 0-0 draw at Luton Town and will do well to play any part in the forthcoming Christmas schedule.

“I've said it's been tough for Martin and it's also been tough for me, because I want him to stay fit,” Hamshaw said. “I want him to be ripe and ready.”

The boss believes that the player's size may have contributed to his continual unavailability.

“He's a big, strapping, lad so he's going to carry a risk of injury because his bones probably haven't developed as of yet into the body that he's got, if that makes sense,” Hamshaw said.

“He's got huge promise. When he first came in, we saw that, and then, obviously, his injuries have hit him.”

Sherif first damaged his hamstring in the derby duel at Doncaster Rovers on August 30 and was out for five weeks, then he missed a further three weeks after the trip to Northampton Town on October 11.His latest length of absence following the Luton clash is estimated at six/seven weeks.

Rotherham have always been careful with his welfare and have never rushed him back before he was ready.

“I think that we've managed him really well and I think Everton are happy with the way we've done it,” Hamshaw said.

The Millers have a clause in the season-long deal allowing them to send the youngster back to Merseyside in January.

At this stage, it would appear that the youngster will leave New York and Hamshaw will seek to sign a new loan attacker during the window.

If Sherif does depart, it would be a source of disappointment for the manager who believed he could bring out the best out the top-flight prospect.

Speaking earlier in the campaign, Hamshaw said: “I think that if we can keep him fit, he'll be a big player for us.”