Rotherham United can confirm that Joshua Kayode has signed a new contract with the Millers, which will see him remain at AESSEAL New York Stadium until 2022, subject to EFL and FA ratification.
It has been a productive season on the developmental front for the Academy product, who has enjoyed regular first-team football in the North East with Gateshead since joining the National League North side on loan in August last year.
Kayode endeared himself to the Heed faithful as he plundered nine goals in 27 appearances, with impressing the Millers staff, and he will now rejoin Paul Warne’s first-team group ahead of the trip to Oxford United on Saturday.
The Lagos-born frontman is held in high-regard by the staff at AESSEAL New York Stadium, impressing in training and reserve outings both prior to and following his graduation from the club’s youth setup.
Speaking following the confirmation of Kayode’s recall and subsequent contract extension, Millers boss Paul Warne said:
"I've pulled JJ back to train with us for the next couple of days and we can have a look at him,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“Because he's been at the level that he's been out on loan, potentially he could play for us and it wouldn't affect him going back out on loan.
"I want to have a look at him in the group because although we think he has done really well and improved, we want to see him with our players and we can really see how far he has come.”
First-team/development coach Matt Hamshaw, who is instrumental in bridging the gap between youth and first teams added:
“I know myself, the Gaffer and everyone around the training ground like JJ a lot and it has been fantastic for us to see him go out and flourish playing men’s football.
“Whilst we have been impressed with his goal record with Gateshead in National League North, it doesn’t come as a surprise to us as staff. He is a really talented player and we have tried to back that up by offering him a longer deal here with us.
“Going out and playing week-in-week-out will have done his development and his confidence the world of good. He has always been one of the top performers in our reserve games and I know the first-team lads here have a lot of respect for him, but in my opinion, playing for three points in front of a passionate set of supporters on a Saturday is great for any young professional looking to find their way in the game.
“As the Gaffer has already said, we’ll now have a look at JJ and see how far he has come along. He's earned this contract.”