Luke Hyam is ready to embrace a “daunting” challenge as he looks
to get his career back on track and help Rotherham at the same time.
The 24-year-old midfielder was a loan window deadline day signing
for the Millers, signing on a month’s loan from Sky Bet Championship rivals
Ipswich.
Hyam is on his way back from a serious knee injury, which kept him
out of action since January and required surgery in the summer.
With the prospect of action looking bleak at Portman Road, he made
the move to South Yorkshire and was rewarded with a long-awaited return to
action, coming on as a late substitute in the impressive 3-0 win over Bristol
City.
His spell with the Millers represents the first time he has played
anywhere other than Ipswich in his short career and although the prospect of
arriving in a different dressing was initially scary, he is relishing the
chance for action.
“Mick McCarthy spoke to me a couple of weeks ago, I was doing my
rehab, and asked if I was interested in going out on loan, as my chances would
be limited,” Hyam said.
“Ipswich have a lot of players in my position, and I have been out
for a long time.
“Initially, we were just looking at locals team - Colchester and
Southend - but it’s a great boost to keep playing Championship football.
“It will be a good experience for me.
“I came through the ranks at Ipswich, this is my first different
club. I have been at Ipswich since I was 11, never been on loan before.
“It’s not just round the corner, took me three hours to get here.
“It was a bit daunting walking in a new dressing room, it’s
walking into the unknown.
Boss Neil Redfearn has said Hyam’s arrival will allow the Millers
to adopt a different style in midfield, but he could have difficulty getting
into the side after an impressive display from the midfield in the last two
games.
However, he is determined to help the Millers cause as they enter
a crucial period in the season.
“I had surgery on my knee, it was frustrating, horrible. It’s been
hard, and being out makes you realise how much you miss it,” he added.
“In the long run I want to push back into the Ipswich Town team,
but first I want to help out Rotherham. I am itching to play a few games.
“I bring a lot of energy, get up and down the pitch, get
tackles in.
