Why George Hirst is the perfect fit for Rotherham United

The Championship outfit beat off rival interest to sign the Leicester City striker, 21, - son of Sheffield Wednesday legend David - on a season-long loan.

Warne would ideally like to bring in another midfielder - with Newcastle United's Dan Barlaser remaining a big target - and a winger, but admits he remains relatively relaxed about the situation.

On Hirst, Warne said: "I have been trying to sign him for the last two and a half years and been desperate to get him in through the door.

"In fairness to Leicester, I have been updated regularly and (recruitment supremo Rob Scott has been speaking to their head of recruitment Jon Rudkin and George's agent constantly. We have just had to be patient with a Premier League loan to get him through the door.

"It is a real boost to our attacking line. I like the fact that he is prepared to run in behind and the physical part of the game and score a goal and is good in the air.

"There is not much I do not like about him, really.

"In the ideal world, we could possibly do with another midfielder and wide player. But in fairness, if that doesn't happen, it doesn't happen - I am pleased with the squad I have got."

One player who Warne has made no secret about wanting to bring in is Barlaser, who started for the Magpies in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

Warne admits he is continuing to play a waiting game regarding the former Millers loanee, with Newcastle manager Steve Bruce recently admitting that he is facing a big decision regarding the future of the 23-year-old - whose current deal on Tyneside expires next summer - before the end of the transfer window.

The Millers chief said: "Respectfully, he is still a Newcastle player and they are using him.

"If he does not get included in their 25-man squad at the end of the month and if it looks like that is not happening, I would move very quickly to try and get him here.

"I am making no bones about the fact that I obviously want to sign him. But I also sincerely want him to play for Newcastle. So I don't want him to come here with a broken heart thinking this is a bad second place.

"But it he does not make the 25-man squad and he is blatantly available, if I could buy him, I would - if I could loan him, I possibly would.

"But at this moment in time, I watch with bated breath how it goes. I text him the other day to congratulate him on his win against Blackburn and I am always texting him.

"Although in fairness, I text a lot of people, so don't read too much into that. We are just coming to have to watch this space."

Clark Robertson (quad) is likely to be sidelined for the next fortnight, but better news sees Trevor Clarke and Curtis Tilt return to training next week.

Richard Wood is also available for the weekend home game with Millwall.