Rotherham United

Chelsea whizzkid John Swift insists he will pass his Championship examination with flying colours as he continues his football education with the Millers. 

The talented youngster is highly-rated by his parent club after impressing through the youth ranks at Stamford Bridge helping them to the FA Youth Cup in 2012 and the Premier League U21s title last season. 

Despite being tipped for stardom amongst his side's array of international talent, Swift is adamant his season-long loan in South Yorkshire will be a vital experience in his footballing development.

"It's a great opportunity for me to play games and play at Championship level," he enthused.

"I want to play against men, week-in, week-out and I'm looking forward to playing against teams, who are big, strong and good technically."

Swift ticked off a significant milestone in his fledgling career after he came off the bench to make his Rotherham bow during their narrow defeat to Derby County on the opening day of the season.

Despite facing a cauldron of noise and with the game on a knife-edge, Swift caught the eye of the Millers' faithful as his ability to ghost past players while looking at home with the ball at his feet gave Rotherham another attacking dimension as they vainly searched for an equaliser in the latter stages of the encounter. 

The 19-year-old was rewarded for his cameo performance by being granted his first competitive start during the Millers' League Cup victory over Fleetwood where Swift again shone as he belied his age with a starring man of the match performance.

Despite the games coming thick and fast, Swift is confident he has the mental and physical toughness to cope with the demanding nature of Championship football. 

"My first Championship game was a great experience," he enthused.

"My family and friends came up and it was a great day for me. To come on, in-front of so many fans and do well for the team was great for me and my family.

"The Championship is a physical league but I think I'm ready for it.