Rotherham United: Danny Ward would welcome new striker, and Millers want West Ham defender Reece Burke

Ward has hit two goals in the Millers’ opening four Championship matches and is playing as well as he ever has since his January 2015 move from Huddersfield Town.

The 24-year-old, who scored against Wolves and Brentford, believes any new arrival will inspire him to even greater heights.

“Of course a new striker coming in would act as a spur,” he said. “It’s good to have competition.

“We’ve got quite a lot of midfielders now, for example, and it just means everyone in that department has got to up their games.

“Obviously it’s going to help the team if everyone is trying that little bit harder to make sure they’re the first name on the teamsheet.”

Rotherham boss Alan Stubbs wants to sign a centre-forward before the close of the transfer windown next Wednesday and is also keen to strengthen his squad in other positions.

The Star understands the Millers have enquired about taking young West Ham centre-half Reece Burke on loan.

Burke, aged 19, spent last season at League One Bradford, playing 36 times and winning the Bantams’ Player of the Year award, after making five Premier League appearances for the Hammers in 2015.

The Millers have been linked with Newcastle United hitman Adam Armstrong after the Magpies said the England Under-19 international could be allowed to go out on loan.

Meanwhile, Ward, who was named man of the match in Rotherham’s 1-0 win over the Bees last Saturday, say fitness coach Paul Warne has helped him to improve his conditioning and keep away from the treatment table.

“Warney has been brilliant since I came here,” he said. “He’s always keeping on top of me, making sure I’m doing things right and making sure that, at home, I’m eating well. I always have done. I’ve just been a bit unlucky with stuff.

“Warney’s been on my case just make sure I cut out those niggly injuries.

“I’m pleased with my form. I’ve had a few chances in the last couple of games where I should have done a lot better, but it’s early days.”

Ward scored four goals in 36 appearances last year and three in 16 in his first half-season at New York Stadium.

His pace, touch, mobility, workrate and aerial prowess make him an important player to Rotherham regardless of his exploits in front of goal, but he is determined to improve his output and is aiming for double figures this term.

“I always like to set myself targets and in the last couple of seasons I’ve not done as well as I wanted to,” he said.

“If things keep going as they are and I keep scoring, I’ll be happy.”

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