Rotherham’s gamble paying off as Milsom impresses Millers chiefs

Both England assistant boss Ray Lewington and Aberdeen’s one-time Scotland manager Craig Brown were both canvassed by the Millers’ management team in the summer about the 26-year-old, who has ticked all the boxes for the South Yorkshiremen in recent weeks.

Milsom, outstanding last weekend against Peterborough – albeit in an unlucky losing cause – is expected to be one of the first names on the team-sheet for this afternoon’s clash at high-flying Brentford, with Millers No 2 Raynor admitting talks regarding a new deal are on the cards, with his current contract expiring in January.

Raynor said: “We always knew he was a good player. We have done our homework on Rob and spoken to a number of people, including the England assistant manager who gave us an absolutely glowing reference on Rob, although we knew him anyway and had seen him play.

“The ex-Scotland manager Craig Brown, a good friend of Steve (Evans), also said that if the lad can stay injury-free, he’s a great talent and I know he was knocking on the door as a youngster at Fulham to be in their Premier League side, but had bad luck with injuries. Touch wood, we want to see him injury free and with the good form that he’s in, long may that continue.

“He’s playing very, very well and just needs to keep that consistency and be injury-free. The longer he can stay injury-free, the confidence will keep going and we will have a good player on our hands.”

Meanwhile, Raynor admits today’s clash against last season’s beaten League One play-off finalists Brentford will be the benchmark for United on their travels this term, just as Posh were on the home front last weekend. He said: “It doesn’t get tougher. You can talk about Wolves and Bristol City away. We’re learning in every game, but we are enjoying it.”