Steve Evans reflects on new signing Michael O'Connor's debut
Boss Steve Evans insists new signing Michael O’Connor needs more time on the pitch as he builds his fitness up in time for the new season.
The former Scunthorpe schemer missed the games against Parkgate, Oldham, Barnsley and Doncaster through injury, but played the first 45 minutes in the defeat by Hearts on Saturday.
Evans admitted after the game that the Hearts game was a ‘step up in class’ for the Millers, but believes the game time for O’Connor was invaluable.
“The match against Hearts brought a big step up in class of opposition and they start their own league season next Saturday, so in terms of sharpness I thought they were a little ahead of us at times,” Evans said in his Gaffer on a Sunday update.
“I had to get some match time into Michael O' Connor and although he will benefit greatly from his 45 minutes, he looked fit but in need of minutes on the pitch. Pre- season matches are important for a number of reasons but they are never about the result although winning is always the objective.
“At times in the match we looked a little tired but I did expect that after the hard week the players have put in, and the illness that has been in the camp. From now it is about getting some sharpness into the players and they will benefit hugely from that work.”
The Millers pre-season continues on Tuesday night with the visit of Sheffield United, whilst next weekend Mansfield Town provide the opposition at Field Mill.