Paul Warne considers new Rotherham United contract for Darren Potter

The 34-year-old hasn't featured for the Millers' senior side since December 2017 because of two bouts of achilles surgery and his contract expires in the summer.

But manager Paul Warne isn't dismissing the prospect of handing the former MK Dons man a new deal after watching him step up his comeback with a string of reserve outings following a 15-month absence

“I'll see how he keeps progressing over the next few weeks,” said Warne, whose side resume their battle for Championship survival at Swansea City on Good Friday.

“He was brilliant when he first came here but then he hasn't played for a long time because of his achilles problem.

“If we see an improvement in him in the next few weeks, offering him a deal is something I would consider. We need to see if he gets any reaction in the next few weeks.

“I wouldn't say he has no future here because that's not definitely the case. I'll have a conversation with him. We'll take into consideration what the player wants to do and what he thinks he can do.

Paul Warne

“We're a long way from being definitive on it at the moment.”

Potter joined Rotherham from MK in June 2017 and last appeared on December 2 of that year when he limped out of a 2-1 League One defeat at Bristol Rovers.

Until then, he had been one of the Millers' best performers. Warne is a big admirer and could possibly bring him back into the first-team fold before the end of this campaign.

“Whether Pottsy is ready to play in a Championship game, I'm not 100 per cent sure yet,” the boss said. “I wouldn't rule it out, though.

“I've watched his last two reserve games, at Grimsby (March 26) and at then at home to Grimsby (April 2). He never makes a wrong decision with the ball.

“He's an experienced player and a winner. He might play a part before the end of the season. I wouldn't like to say either way. He is pushing closer to our thoughts.

“He was the outstanding playing in the ressies last week. I might need him. You never know.”

Potter, who came through the youth ranks at Liverpool, has been back in full training with the senior squad for several weeks.

He impressed in a holding role in the early part of the League One promotion season after being signed on the recommendation of assistant manager Richie Barker who knew him well from their time together at Stadium MK.

“He's a good sitting midfielder,” Warne said. “The only other one we've got is Semi (Ajayi) but, in fairness, Pottsy knows the position better than him.”

A version of this article first appeared in the Advertiser