Derby County v Rotherham United: Rookie striker in Kenny Jackett's planning

The Millers are short of forwards heading towards a busy December and unable to recruit until the January transfer window opens.

For new manager Jackett, that cannot come quickly enough as he looks to bolster Rotherham’s squad.

The Millers sit bottom of the Championship, with just seven points from 16 games.

Including today’s trip to Derby County, Rotherham have eight matches – six in December – before January 1.

Apart from strike duo Danny Ward and Dexter Blackstock Jackett has few genuine options down the middle.

Yates, 20, netted twice in the 5-4 EFL Cup defeat to Morecambe in August, and has featured four times since as a substitute in the Championship.

But after previous loan spells at Harrogate Town, the striker – back in training after a groin injury – could force his way into contention

“He’s just come back from injury,” said Jackett. “It’s his first day’s training. He had a groin injury. I saw him for one or two days early on, but then he pulled out with his groin. He hasn’t trained for the last fortnight. He’s definitely not out of my thinking.

“There isn’t a big enough number of forwards here.

“You’re looking at Danny Ward, Dexter Blackstock, perhaps Izzy Brown. After that, it’s Jerry Yates.

“There’s Odemwingie perhaps, but he’s had more of a career as a wide man.

“They’re the options up front, so Jerry is very much in the thinking but hasn’t been available.”

Rotherham have scored 17 goals in 16 games – Danny Ward has eight – but have conceded 38 and won just once in the Championship this season.