Rotherham United: Latest on Matt Crooks and build-up to Fleetwood clash

The influential Crooks was suspended for last week's trip to Southend, which gave him the chance to rest his sore groins.

He was recommended to have an injection in the joint which would rule him out for two weeks, but first needed dental treatment.

That has now happened but Warne says the injection may not take place.

“Hopefully he doesn't need it, it is not the best option to take,” Warne said.

“It might solve his problem but it might make other ones.

“He has had his dental work done which is good, he has trained, he felt good, he has looked pain-free, his pain relief and exercises are kicking in.

“Him and Robbo (Clark Robertson) are going to go and see another specialist and hopefully that will give him the option of continuing.

“He is in a better place than he was a few weeks ago, but he is not pain free.”

Crooks will be needed as the Millers try and go into Christmas on a high.

They have struggled in front of their own fans this season, with four defeats and two draws from their nine games there.

Despite that, they are still sixth in the table and in good shape to launch a promotion charge in the new year.

“We had an amazing team last year which was swimming against the tide,” Warne said.

“We ripped the team apart.

“This team will get better but they are not the team of last year.

“They are going to come together for sure.

“They are young men, it is going to take time, they are going to have peaks and troughs.

“They are an amazing group, they get on brilliantly.

“We could have done with a couple more home wins and we would be absolutely cruising.

“We're sixth in the league, we are in the third round of the FA Cup, I don't think we're at our absolute best at home, especially.

“When team have come and played at us we have won convincingly, when teams have come for a point we have struggled to break them down.

“From my point of view I'm happy, but I'd be happier if we were top.”

Rotherham host Fleetwood tomorrow before a Boxing Day trip to Shrewsbury.