Rotherham United

New Rotherham United signing Alex Bray says the opportunity to be involved for the first time at his new club couldn’t come on a much bigger occasion than this weekend’s South Yorkshire derby with Barnsley.

The winger insists he is relishing the chance to don his new club’s colours for the first time as the Millers lock horns with their local rivals at AESSEAL New York Stadium and adds that he is looking forward to kicking off his loan stint, after a positive start to life in South Yorkshire.

“You can’t ask for much more really,” Bray told www.themillers.co.uk.

“Hopefully it will be a sold out stadium and that’s what every footballer dreams of really, so I’m hoping to be involved and excite the fans.

“I’ve really enjoyed it and the gaffer, his assistants and all the boys have welcomed me really nicely and I can’t wait to get started.”

After a promising start to his career, Bray’s progress was halted by injury as his loan debut for Plymouth Argyle was cut short due to an injury but the 21-year-old is keen to fulfil that potential as he joins the ranks of Paul Warne’s side.

“In 2014 I went on loan to Plymouth but it only lasted for a week because on my debut I did my ACL and ruptured it,” he explained.

“I was out for about a year and a half, but I’ve been back fit for about a year and played for Swansea’s Under 23 team and done really well there and I’ve got the opportunity to come here on loan and I’m buzzing.

“Especially at this stage of my career it’s massive. At this sort of time I have to be pushing to make a career and hopefully this opportunity can bring that.”

Warne will be pleased to have injected some pace into his Rotherham United side after highlighting in recent weeks that it was something he was keen to add to his armoury and Bray is hopeful his attributes will fit in nicely to his temporary boss’ plans.

“I think I’m a very direct player and I bring pace to the side. Being a winger, I like to take on my man and get balls into the box and get shots off and I hope in this team it’ll work really well,” he added.

“Everyone has been really nice and it’s always good to start on a positive note and hopefully I can get started on Saturday in a big game."