Joe Newell talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United midfielder Joe Newell says he is ‘buzzing to be back’ amongst the first team action with Alan Stubbs’ side following a lengthy summer lay-off after having ankle surgery last term.The 23-year-old made his full return to competitive football with a start on home soil against Bristol City which ended prematurely after a collision saw him pick up a trio of injuries that forced his withdrawal.
However, after returning to the bench at Ewood Park, Newell admits he is grateful to be back involved after a frustrating summer.
“I’m buzzing to be back but unfortunately for me I got the hand and toe injury which was annoying but I’ll take that for how well my ankle has adapted to being back in full training,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“It’s hard not to be playing and the pre-season was the worst. You usually return buzzing to be back and with the way we finished last season, the excitement and celebrations that came with staying up made it harder to see all the lads back out there while I was in the gym.
“I’ve said it before but the work that Warney, Mike and Den have done with me has helped me a lot.”
The former Peterborough United man was forced to watch from the stands as his teammates earned a hard-fought draw against Nottingham Forest and believes he has seen enough in the Rotherham United camp to kick on in the second tier this season.
“I think the Forest game is probably our best performance so far,” Newell added.
“We know we should have taken three points from that which is hard to take but we have to put our away form right and make it as strong as we are at home.
“There are positive signs and it’s important that we kick on and keep trying to play that we have been and the results will come."