Matt Hamshaw talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
A wide array of experience in the game has been a defining factor in newly-signed professional Reece McGinley’s development, says first team/development coach Matt Hamshaw.
McGinley, who turned 18 at the beginning of March, has been exposed to a number of different environments in the game which belie his tender years, with first team, reserve and international appearances already on his CV.
Following the announcement that McGinley had penned his first professional deal with the Millers, Hamshaw was quick to express his praise for the youngster, who has impressed on a number of occasions throughout his time in the Academy.
“I think the key thing is different experiences because we try and develop players so that they have ventured down different avenues,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“This season he's played international football, youth team football, reserve team football and in the first team and that will be a key part in developing players for this football club.
“It's great news for the Academy. Obviously Reece is a player that we knew had huge potential having been at Liverpool as a youngster.
“We were quite fortunate to get him and he's worked really hard with Ciaran [Toner] and then gone out on loan and done really well at Frickley.”
Hamshaw has been in regular contact with Lead Professional Development Phase Coach Ciaran Toner since taking up his role alongside Paul Warne on the first team staff, as he looks to bridge the game for the next generation of Millers players between the Academy and the senior setup.
Feedback on Northern Irishman McGinley has all been positive, while Hamshaw admits that he has also been pleased with the development that he has witnessed first-hand.
“He's still got things he needs to work on but he's a really bright boy, who wants to learn and wants to take information on,” he explained.
“Hopefully we can help him progress into the first team now.
“It's a sign of how far the Academy has come. I know in my time we didn't have any internationals and I still keep a close eye on it and I had a part to play in Reece coming to the football club.
“It's an improvement in the Academy system and it's valuable experience for these lads to be going into different environments which bring with them different challenges. We were keen to get him out to Frickley because it's important that he plays for three points but he seems to have really taken it on board and I don't think he's lost since he's gone there on loan.
“We've had a good few years with the likes of Jerry, Wilesy and JJ come through. Akeem has played first team football as well and I think it's encouraging but there is still a lot more hard work that needs to go into bringing these lads on but the signs are good so far.”
Fans that were present at the Checkatrade Trophy clash at Bradford City this season will have seen glimpses of McGinley’s potential, whilst those that have been regulars at the Central League and Youth Alliance fixtures will be even more aware of his talents.
For those that haven’t seen the 18-year-old in action yet, Hamshaw was quick to point to his exciting attacking threat and maturity both on and off the pitch when asked about the youngster’s best qualities.
“He's quite dynamic, he's quick and he likes to come in off the line. He's improving with his end product and I think when he first came in he perhaps wanted to beat everybody, whereas now he gets crosses into the box,” he continued.
“He's a bright lad and he's got a great family and has had a really good upbringing. He's level-headed, he's mature and I think the fact that he's moved across here is evidence of that.
“He's an exciting player to watch and somebody who will get people on their feet. He wants to take players on which is what we want here.”