Young defender David Haggerty signed his first professional contract last week and he is now looking to force his way into the Millers first team.

Haggerty, 18, didn't make a first team appearance last season but gained valuable experience in non-league after successful loan spells with Sheffield FC and Ilkeston Town. Haggerty relished the opportunity of first team action which helped further his football education:

"I really enjoyed my time at Ilkeston. It was great to play some first team football in a competitive division and the standard was very good," said Haggerty.

"The players are confident and they try and pass the ball instead of playing it long all the time which is good. I played under Rob Scott and Paul Hurst who I knew, and there are a few former Rotherham lads there like Marc Newsham and Sam Duncum so I really enjoyed it."

Haggerty added: "Before I played for Ilkeston I had a spell at Sheffield FC which was a well run family club. The players were all great and I picked up some useful advice. I have also enjoyed the reserve games this season because you come up against some good players. The last game we played against Leeds and they put a strong side out so that was a good experience."

Haggerty has now signed a one-year professional deal and he is looking to use last season's experience to force his way into the Millers first team:

"I have been waiting to see if I would get a contract and I am delighted to have signed it. My aim now will be to try and kick on from here," he said.

"I will be working hard over the summer to keep my fitness up and build up my strength, then come back firing in pre-season and try and break into the first team."