Millers new boy for debut

ROTHERHAM United will receive a boost today when midfielder Mark Hudson makes his first appearance of the season.

It is a lift for Millers boss Mark Robins who saw his side go out of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on penalties to Grimsby last night after the teams had finished at 1-1.

Hudson, the former Chesterfield midfielder who was signed in the summer from Huddersfield, underwent knee surgery after being injured in a pre-season friendly against Sheffield United.

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The estimate then for his return to challenge for a first team place was about three months and Hudson is on course for doing just that.

He has recently had spells at the FA's Treatment of Injuries Centre at Lilleshall and after a week's training he will be back at Millmoor for the reserves in the Pontins League game away to Leeds this afternoon.

Hudson is set to start the game but will not play all of it... "he just needs to build up his match fitness now," said Robins.

Meanwhile Robins said whilst there was disappointment at the JPT exit, he took encouragement from the performances of the youngsters he put in.

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Jamie Yates, 18, got his first start this season wide on the right whilst the loanees from Sheffield United, goalkeeper Jamie Annerson and central defender Ryan Cresswell, both 19, started. Marc Newsham, 20, and Stephen Brogan, 19, also figured and during the second half all were on the pitch at the same time.

"I thought they were excellent although when they tired a bit you could see the inexperience," said Robins.

"It was the perfect opportunity to give lads valuable experience and there were some pleasing aspects. Jamie Yates was outstanding in the first.

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