Why Georgie Kelly didn't come on earlier as Rotherham United tried to find a way back against Bristol City

The centre-forward remained on the bench for 70 minutes of yesterday's 3-1 Championship loss to at AESSEAL New York Stadium.

Available after making a quicker-than-expected recovery from a hamstring tear suffered last month, the 26-year-old made a big impact and came close to scoring on more than one occasion.

"We have to be careful with Georgie," Taylor said. "He is an early returner from a hamstring injury.

"We would have loved to have played him earlier in the game but he is still making ground in relation to his injury."

The boss was expecting more from his side in their first match back after the international break even though they were weakened by the absence of some players because of chest infections.

Chiedozie Ogbene scored a first-half equaliser after Rotherham had fallen behind but two more Robins goals put the match beyond the Millers' reach.

"We went a little bit slow and stodgy and played into the opposition's hands," Taylor said. "We didn’t work the goalkeeper enough until late on."

Young loan wing-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy, starting in place of the injured Peter Kioso, set up Ogbene's 30th-minute header and caused City all manner of problems down their left flank in the opening 45 minutes.

"I was pleased that Brooke made an impact until his legs started to go a little bit," Taylor said. "He was more positive in his game and aggressive in and out of possession.

"Chieo got his goal. I want more from the attacking midfielders."

The result saw Rotherham slip a place to 17th in the table.