Garreth Barker talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United’s Academy have been kept on their toes after a fortnight’s break from Youth Alliance action.
The Millers have enjoyed a break from competitive league football before returning for the long pilgrimage to Hartlepool United this weekend.
Academy manager Garreth Barker and his staff have kept the youngsters busy after a friendly against Sheffield FC last weekend, before a number of scholars featured for the reserves against York City yesterday.
“We had a blank week so we had a friendly fixture against Sheffield FC which was organised through one of our foundation coaches,” Barker told www.themillers.co.uk
“They can be tough games because the players sometimes fall into the mindset that it is just a training match.
“I thought they were excellent at the weekend and they scored seven goals and played with a tempo, a purpose and a good shape.
“It was a good opportunity to get pitch minutes in for one or two players who were coming back from injury and there were some good goals as well.”
One player on the comeback trail is forward Ben Wiles who completed his return from injury with game time against Sheffield, before playing the first half of the 2-0 defeat to York City in the Central League.
“Ben Wiles got 30 minutes under his belt which was terrific to see because he’s been out for a while,” Barker added.
“Prince Mamboti-Mvumbi, who has just been given international clearance, was able to get an hour of football too which was a real bonus.”