Point to prove: Richie Smallwood returns to prosper at Rotherham United

Smallwood elected to head back to his parent club at the start of this week after spending the first half of the season at League One promotion chasers Scunthorpe United, who were keen to extend his loan.

It has been an up-and-down season for the former Middlesbrough man, who found himself on the bench in the final few weeks of his time with the Iron, while also quickly falling out of favour in the summer when Alan Stubbs took over at Rotherham.

But after holding talks with Millers caretaker boss Paul Warne, Smallwood is now keen to kick on again at Rotherham after being reassured that he is in the club’s plans.

On the timetable to his recall, Smallwood, whose Millers deal expires in the summer, said: “I didn’t know until Monday evening really; it had to be done on that day. I met Warney and we discussed it and he called me back and the next day I was in training.

“When I spoke to Warney, we both thought it was a better opportunity for me to play, obviously my performances will decide that. I was really enjoying it at Scunthorpe apart from not getting the game time. Sitting on the bench for five games is not really what I am about.

“Coming here, speaking to Warney, there is a better opportunity for me to play games.”

Admitting to feeling a ‘bit hard done by’ after being told by ex-Millers chief Stubbs that he was not in his plans ahead of the start of the season, Smallwood added: “I did feel a bit hard done by, but I don’t hold grudges or anything like that.

“I didn’t hate him, I didn’t think he was a bad guy, that’s just how it was.

“That’s football, it’s a game of opinions and his opinion was that his own players that he brought in were better than me. Whether they are or not is for whoever is in charge to decide.

“I have got a point to prove. To myself as well that I can still play at this level. I think I can, I will be working hard like I always do and hopefully I can get some games.”