Leon Best talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Striker Leon Best is aiming to get straight into the thick of the Championship battle as the Millers prepare for the Yorkshire derby with Leeds United this Saturday.
The Millers travel to Elland Road for their first competitive game for a fortnight as the full calendar of Sky Bet Championship games resumes following the international break.
Best, who signed permanently following a successful trial at the start of the week, is aiming to firmly put himself in manager Neil Redfearn’s plans, as the Millers boss faces a return to his old stomping ground.
“I’ve been involved in a lot of derbies in my career and they’re the best games,” Best told www.themillers.co.uk
“The adrenaline is pumping and it means that little bit more for the fans. If the manager thinks that I am fit enough and ready to play straight away then I’m there for him and the team.”
Redfearn has been looking to add some experience to his young squad and made no secret of his desire to strengthen his attacking options. He sees Best as an ideal role model for some of the younger members of the squad, including up and coming striker Jonson Clarke-Harris.
“There are some good players here and I’m looking forward to working with them,” Best continues.
“I am particularly looking forward to working with Jonson [Clarke-Harris]. I look at him and he reminds me of myself when I was younger. He’s got some talent and ability and he’s a big, strong lad. I hope that if I’m playing alongside him and training with him I can make him better by using my experience.”
Best has targeted goals on his return to competitive Championship action after previously representing the likes of Newcastle United, Derby County, Blackburn Rovers and Brighton and Hove Albion.
“I’ve played at this level from being 17 years old,” said the Nottingham-born hot-shot.
“When I’m at my best I can put fright into defenders. The main thing for me is that I want to get back to scoring goals.
“It’s a very tough league but I think when you get a good manager and a good bunch of lads and they know their individual roles you can achieve anything.”