'Compared to what we are used to' - Leeds United prospect Callum Mills on Barnsley FC test in EFL Trophy
Callum Mills spoke after his hat-trick for Leeds United Under-21s in their EFL Trophy win over Barnsley
Callum Mills admitted Leeds United Under-21s faced more physicality than they are accustomed to in their EFL Trophy win over Barnsley.
Scott Gardner’s young Whites roared to a stunning 4-3 victory over League One opposition last night (September 22) and Mills netted a hat-trick.
Josh McDonald also got in on the act at Oakwell and three late goals from the hosts could not peg Leeds back.
Callum Mills on Barnsley test
Mills, who tasted senior football with Leeds in pre-season, said: “It was a lot more physical, the game, compared to what we are used to in the Under-21s.
“But it is good to play these games so you are used to proper men’s football. We just need to keep going and not get complacent against teams.”
Mills caught the eye when Daniel Farke gave him senior minutes during Leeds’ pre-season tour of the USA.
His treble against Barnsley - scored while playing as a makeshift forward - will not have done his chances of making a competitive debut any harm.
EFL Trophy hat-trick
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder said: “[It is] a great feeling. Three goals and getting my name out there, especially in a competition like this, it is good.
“I hadn’t scored this season so it is a good way to start it off and hopefully keep going. I should have had that one [earlier] but I made up for it with three.
“The first one took a little deflection off the defender but they all count, don’t they? We do a lot of work in training, building out, and today it was showing on the pitch.
“We are good on the outside, getting balls in the box and Harvey [Vincent’s] quality was showing. Then my tap in – in the right place at the right time! It was a good feeling to get the three goals.”