Jonson Clarke-Harris talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United forward Jonson Clarke-Harris insists he is relishing the task of a tough pre-season as Paul Warne prepares his side for the 2017/18 League One campaign.
The former Oldham Athletic striker was largely absent in the 2016/17 season after sustaining an ACL injury in a friendly at Parkgate, but turned in a string of impressive performances in the latter stages of the year to earn the plaudits and a one-year extension to his contract with the club.
Millers boss Warne has challenged his squad to reach new levels of fitness ahead of the new campaign and Clarke-Harris insists the thought of being put through his paces is something he is eagerly anticipating.
"It is going to be a pre-season that I am sure that everyone will benefit from,” Clarke-Harris told www.themillers.co.uk.
“Nothing will scare me about it, I am looking forward to what I'm hearing about the hard work because for me it is mind over matter.
“The body can do it, I am looking forward to it because for me I've been doing a pre-season throughout the whole of last season, so now I need to step it up and get myself fitter and stronger.”
The Leicester-born frontman is keen to repay the Millers’ boss for handing him his chance at the back end of last season and admits he is keen to start the new season brightly to establish himself at the forefront of the manager’s mind.
"From when we come back in, we will look to hit the ground running and hopefully we can get it bang on during pre-season,” Clarke-Harris added.
“The aim is to go into next season with a good mentality ready for what is sure to be a tough league next year in League One.
"I've always really enjoyed working with Paul Warne. He knows me as a player and as a person too. He is only going to help me, not just on the pitch but he is a great sounding board away from the club as well.
“On a personal level I feel I can talk to him, and that is because he has been such a great help to me since I arrived here. I am looking forward to playing under him now for a prolonged period as the manager.”