No second free agent for Rotherham United as Kyle Vassell goes under knife

A ROTHERHAM United trial for a second free-agent striker has fallen through just as the Millers are resigning themselves to losing forward Kyle Vassell for around five weeks.

Summer signing Vassell is due to undergo surgery on his troublesome groin on Thursday, leaving manager Paul Warne with only Michael Smith and Jerry Yates as recognised frontmen.

Rotherham, also without frontman Jamie Proctor because of a hip problem, had been considering allowing an attacker to train with them this week, but that is no longer the case.

"I don't think that is going to happen," said Warne who takes his Championship side to Hull City tomorrow night.

An unattached striker with experience in Germany worked out with the Millers for two days last week and could return if international clearance allowing him to play in a reserve game can be obtained.

"I'm still hoping to bring back the lad from Germany," Warne said. "I don't know when the paperwork will get done on that. I'm about to speak to the chief executive (Paul Douglas) on that."

Vassell, meanwhile, was in London today seeing a surgeon.

"He will be missing for the next four or five weeks," said Warne. "It's a blow. He has been going through pain for a few weeks now.

"It's just disappointing we didn't get a striker in during the transfer window because we have now got a problem. Hopefully nothing will happen with Smudge (Smith). Jerry will have to contribute."

Centre-half Clark Robertson rolled an ankle during last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic but is expected to be fit to face the Tigers.