Matt Taylor ready to give centre-forward Sam Nombe his Rotherham United chance

Sam Nombe on his sole Championship start so far for Rotherham United, at Millwall. Picture: Jim Brailsford

MANAGER Matt Taylor is preparing to unleash record signing Sam Nombe in one of Rotherham United's two matches before the next international break.

The Millers are at home to Bristol City on Wednesday and then make the long journey to Southampton on Saturday as they sign off for the fortnight-long lull in Championship action.

Striker Nombe, brought in from Exeter City for a £1-million-plus fee last month, has so far been in the starting line-up only once for his new club and has been used off the bench in four other fixtures.

"He's ready," Taylor declared this afternoon. "Whether it's Wednesday night or Saturday, he'll get a start soon. He has already started a game, at Millwall (3-0 defeat). That match didn't materialise into what we wanted it to."

The 24-year-old was paired up front at the New Den with Jordan Hugill who has been the preferred choice when the team have lined up with only one centre-forward.

Nombe, a scorer 17 times in League One last term, is still waiting for his first Rotherham goal and his boss reckons the frontman has suffered because of the 23rd-placed Millers' defensive concerns.

"I have to be honest, we're talking about attacking play but my biggest issues are in the backline," Taylor said.

"Defensively, we've not had enough control in games for me to really assess the frontline in its full capacity. That probably affects playing two centre-forwards.

"I know this sounds so strange to say but if we improve our defending I guarantee that will create more chances for us at the other end. Having a solid backline allows us to get further up the pitch."

Nombe is due a goal this term, having failed to hit the target in six Exeter outings before his switch to AESSEAL New York Stadium.