The Millers have had successes in recent seasons, bringing in the likes of Jordi Osei-Tutu from Arsenal and Ryan Giles from Wolves and are building relationships with top-flight outfit.

But they have missed out on a number of other signings as well, with players and representatives often opting for more 'glamorous' Championship destinations than Rotherham.

Warne said: "We desperately tried to get Will Smallbone from Southampton and they were really convinced and wanted him to come here, but his agent and himself decided to go to Stoke and I am not sure if he has played there much or not, but it is the players' choice.

"We can only try to represent the club in the best light we can and try to help the young players. We have a good relationship with Arsenal - and did brilliantly with Osei-Tutu - and have a brilliant relationship and did really good with Gilo. We are possibly gaining relationships as a football club and coaching staff and that can only help in the future.

"But fundamentally, it is not the club that really decides what clubs they go to, it is the players and the agents. Until we can break that barrier, we might be limited.

"If there's a choice between coming to us and Preston, he might choose Preston. But we are doing everything we can to make our club as attractive as we can and I think over the last few years, everyone at this club should be pleased with the steps we have made. But we are not as far up the pecking order as we like."

On the threat posed by tonight's opponents Preston, he added: "People will probably think I am saying this because we are playing them, but I think they will be top six.

"They are the team who have created the most chances (so far), but haven't scored the most goals. But Huddersfield took a bit of a clip off them and I think there will be many league clubs who take a clip off them this year."

Rotherham United boss Paul Warne on Premier League loanees, Will Smallbone and Preston North End