Millwall V Barnsley: Miller left down in the mouth over move to Oakwell

Miller, 19, had agreed to join the Tykes on a free transfer next month but has now had a metal plate inserted in his jaw and will not play again this season. Police have appealed for witnesses to the incident which happened around 2.30am last Sunday outside a taxi rank in the seaside town.

Boston-born Miller signed a six-month deal with the Imps last summer but has made only one appearance and is a free agent at the end of the month.

He has spent two days on trial at Oakwell and impressed manager Mark Robins but club officials now want to examine medical reports before deciding whether to press ahead with the move.

Lincoln manager Steve Tilson has also offered Miller a deal, until summer 2013, but the teenager would prefer the opportunity to join the Championship club.

"If Barnsley do take him we will get a bit of compensation, although that will be out of courtesy from Mark Robins as he doesn't really need to give us anything," admitted Tilson.

"I like Kern. Since I've come in, he's done ever so well, but we will just have to see what will happen."

Barnsley travel to Millwall today seeking to maintain progress up the table and keep pressure on the top six. Unbeaten in five and without a goal conceded in the last three games, there is growing optimism at Oakwell over a possible promotion push.

Robins said: "It is important that we keep right on the coat-tails of the top six or seven clubs. We are a on a good run of form and confidence is high. If we can finish December well, that will give us a tremendous boost going into 2011."

The Tykes are four points behind sixth-placed Norwich City while opponents Millwall are one point and one position further behind.

Striker Garry O'Connor is unable to play in the next three games despite agreeing to move to the club on a permanent basis from Birmingham City.

The Scottish international was on a month-to-month deal at St Andrews, which expired last weekend, and Football League rules prevent clubs extending loan deals of players who are free agents. He will be eligible to play again when the New Year transfer window opens.