Rotherham United: Millers look to new boy Shinnie

He's worn a Rotherham United shirt for barely half an hour, but Andrew Shinnie has already made his mark on his new boss and teammates.
Andrew ShinnieAndrew Shinnie
Andrew Shinnie

The attacking midfielder came on in the 59th minute against Charlton Athletic to make his Millers debut last Saturday.

And manager Neil Redfearn and left-back Joe Mattock were united in their praise of the 26-year-old who has joined Rotherham’s Championship survival battle for the rest of the season.

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“I thought Shinnie looked really good, His touches were good and he looked neat and tidy,” said Redfearn.

Mattock added: “I think he is a good player. If we can get him on the ball, get him in those little pockets, attacking the opposition, I think he can be a big help for us.”

Despite Shinnie’s introduction, the Millers slipped to a 4-1 defeat, and the Scot could be in line for his first start at Bolton Wanderers this Saturday as Redfearn considers changes against the division’s bottom club.

Shinnie, who joined Rotherham last week on loan from Birmingham City, has already talked with the Millers manager about how his talents can be most effectively utilised.

Joe MattockJoe Mattock
Joe Mattock
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“I like to play off the striker in the ‘number 10’ role,” he said, “It’s my best role really, although I have played in a few positions. It’s where I am most comfortable. I hope to play there.

“I have had a bit of a conversation with the gaffer and that seems to be where he thinks I fit in. It works for me, I am comfortable there and hope I can do really well for him and the club.”

Rotherham remain out of the drop zone, but Redfearn is looking for a big improvement on last weekend’s display.

“Charlton got through us too easily,” he said. “They got around our box too quickly. It was too easy for them to break. We have bossed the midfield areas against so-called better sides, so against Charllton that was a disappointing thing.”