Rotherham United manager Matt Hamshaw has been full of praise for one of his forwards. He’s also been discussing who will lead the line for the remainder of the season.
The Millers find themselves second from bottom in League One, five points off safety and without a win in their last ten league games.
With survival crucial for the club, Rotherham brought in reinforcements, including Leeds United youngster Harry Gray.
Gray made his first appearance in the Millers’ 3-2 defeat to Stockport County. Despite not scoring, Hamshaw praised the 17-year-old when he spoke to the Rotherham Advertiser.
Harry Gray Set for Key Role at Rotherham United
Hamshaw was quick to praise the young forward after the Stockport game:
“Harry is a great lad; he’s a good character. He’s going to have an amazing career.”
The Millers’ boss also discussed how he sees Gray being the perfect partner for Sam Nombe:
“I‘m sure he’ll get goals, I’m sure he’ll flourish with Sam.
“Sam allows us to stretch a game a bit more, which then will allow Harry to pick up those pockets. That’s why we’ve brought Harry in.”
It’s clear from Hamshaw’s comments that he sees the South Yorkshire club’s front line from now on being Nombe and Gray.
Jordan Hugill is another option for Hamshaw, but he’s only scored one goal in open play in his last 38 League One outings. Hamshaw did comment on how Hugill could be used as a more physical option in the front line when needed, which could be a great option given the club’s low league position.
Could Harry Gray Fire Rotherham United to Safety?
With Gray being lined up as one of the club’s starting forwards for the rest of the season, the question is, can he help keep the Millers in League One?
Gray has just a handful of first-team games under his belt.
He featured in two EFL Trophy games this season for Leeds United U21s, scoring twice against League Two outfit Accrington Stanley.
Most of his game time has come in the Premier League 2 for Leeds United. This season, he has scored six goals in seven games, which is double the number he scored last season in the same number of games.
The level of competition at that level is a lot different from what he will face in League One. However, as Hamshaw explained to the Advertiser, he believes the youngster will score goals.
The level of competition at youth academy level is very different from what he will face in League One, with the step-up to men’s football posing a huge difference in physicality. However, his manager clearly backs the youngster to score goals.
Rotherham United fans will be hoping the 17-year-old makes a quick impact to pull them out of the relegation zone before it’s too late.
Currently, the club are winless since early November and are set to host AFC Wimbledon this Saturday, in a fixture where three points would be crucial for either side’s chances of survival.