Why Manny Onariase has left Rotherham United to play non-league football

Manager Paul Warne, who took the Millers up last season, has allowed the defender to join National League Dagenham and Redbridge on loan until January, believing the demands of the second tier would be too much for the 22-year-old.

"I think the world of Manny," Warne said. "Unfortunately for his development, we got promoted and I think it is just a step too far for him. 

"We had four centre-halves ahead of him and he was always going to struggle to get game-time. 

"He's a great kid, probably the best all-round human being we have here, if am being honest. He just wants to go and play football."

Onariase has made just two appearances in the Checkatrade Trophy since arriving from Brentford in August 2017 and had a loan spell at League Two Cheltenham Town last season. His Millers contract expires in the summer.

"After the (transfer) window shut in August, we weren't able to get him anywhere in the league so the only option he has got now is to go into the National League," said Warne, who takes his team to Preston North End on Saturday.

"Now people can watch him. It's better than playing the odd reserve game here every three weeks."

The Rotherham squad, fresh from earning their first away point of the season in Tuesday's 0-0 clash at Middlesbrough, could be strengthened at Deepdale by the return of right-back and winger Jon Taylor after hamstring and knee issues respectively.

"They have both trained today," Warne said. "The lads who played Tuesday haven't been on the grass. The others all trained and we put a bit of distance into them and beat them up a little bit, which was nice. 

"The two lads got through that fine, so unless I get a phone call from the physio later they should both be available to train tomorrow with the intention of being involved at the weekend."