Richie Towell talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United midfielder Richie Towell has had to settle for metaphorically ‘kicking every ball’ during his three game suspension which followed his dismissal in the game at Bristol City but is relishing the prospect of a potential return to action this weekend.
The Irishman’s challenge on Josh Brownhill earned him a ban which saw him excluded from the games against Preston North End, Manchester City and Ipswich Town, but he is once again available for selection for this Saturday’s hosting of Brentford following the conclusion of his suspension.
Towell admits he has endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines but has put in more effort than ever in an attempt to return to his best should he be selected at the weekend.
“It was so frustrating to miss big games, not just the City one but the league ones were massive as well,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“I was gutted just to not be able to help them. It's hard sitting at home not being able to effect the result but I was at the Preston and Man City games and you're looking at it trying to kick every ball with them.
“To be fair, I've probably worked harder in the last two or three weeks than I have all season, purely because I haven't been able to play. I've been doing a lot of extra stuff to keep myself ticking over and I feel good and a possibly a little bit more relaxed mentally as a result of the break.
“This week I'm looking forward to training hard and seeing if I can get back in the team to help them as much as I can again.”
Towell’s availability coincides with some new competition arriving in the Millers’ engine room following the signing of Northampton midfielder Matt Crooks and the Brighton and Hove Albion loanee is hopeful that the extra body will drive on the current crop.
“It's great to have the competition and I'm sure it's a good headache for the Gaffer as well,” he continued.
“He doesn't recruit bad people or bad players so if Matt can come in and help the team it's brilliant because we need all the help we can get if we're going to stay in the league.
“Hopefully we can all pull together in the right direction and keep Rotherham in the Championship.
“The lads did brilliantly to get three points against Preston and I think that performance deserved a little bit more against Ipswich as well and we were a bit unlucky. “
Meanwhile, Towell concluded by explaining that whilst he felt his dismissal at Ashton Gate was slightly harsh, he will learn from the experience.
“I thought it was a little bit harsh but I can see where the ref is coming from,” he added.
“In my opionion, it wasn't a straight red card three game ban offence; I've seen worse tackles just get yellows. That said, its football and I have to learn from it and not put myself in that position again.”