Rotherham's 5-2 thumping at the hands of Ipswich ended up proving beneficial as it led to the arrival of Luke Hyam on loan.
The 24-year-old midfielder, who is on his way back from knee surgery, joined the Millers until January on Thursday after being recommended by Town boss Mick McCarthy.
After their visit to New York earlier this month, McCarthy spoke to Neil Redfearn and learned that the Millers boss was on the look out for new players.
So, with that in mind, when Hyam completed his rehabilitation after summer surgery and was ready for game time, McCarthy knew exactly who to call.
"I rang Neil Redfearn after we’d played them because I knew he was looking for loan players," McCarthy said.
"I told him we had Luke coming back and that if that was the type he was looking forward he wouldn’t get any better.
The 24-year-old midfielder, who is on his way back from knee surgery, joined the Millers until January on Thursday after being recommended by Town boss Mick McCarthy.
After their visit to New York earlier this month, McCarthy spoke to Neil Redfearn and learned that the Millers boss was on the look out for new players.
So, with that in mind, when Hyam completed his rehabilitation after summer surgery and was ready for game time, McCarthy knew exactly who to call.
"I rang Neil Redfearn after we’d played them because I knew he was looking for loan players," McCarthy said.
"I told him we had Luke coming back and that if that was the type he was looking forward he wouldn’t get any better.
“Luke gets around the pitch, puts the work in and inspires others by doing that.
“He played in the 21s, he played in a game we had here in the week and he looks fine.
“There’s
certainly nothing wrong with his knee and he’s one of the fittest players I’ve
ever seen. He is always top of the running charts."
Redfearn is grateful that he was McCarthy's first thought and believes that the midfielder can help the Millers play in a different way.
"We
are very fortunate to take Luke. He is highly regarded by Ipswich Town, he is a
player that is more than capable," the Millers boss said.
"I had a good chat with Mick McCarthy about him, they don’t want to let him go, but he needs first-team exposure.
"He has loaned him to us and he is coming into something that is strong, but he adds another dimension to us and also competition for places.
"He is under no uncertain terms that he needs to earn a shirt. But he is a very talented boy that comes with good Championship experience.
"He can play one or two positions, he can sit, he can play and get box-to-box but he is competitive and where we are at the moment we are scrapping for every point, he comes into something which he fits. He’s a good fit for us.
"I think what he will do is give us a strength to play a little bit differently.
"I had a good chat with Mick McCarthy about him, they don’t want to let him go, but he needs first-team exposure.
"He has loaned him to us and he is coming into something that is strong, but he adds another dimension to us and also competition for places.
"He is under no uncertain terms that he needs to earn a shirt. But he is a very talented boy that comes with good Championship experience.
"He can play one or two positions, he can sit, he can play and get box-to-box but he is competitive and where we are at the moment we are scrapping for every point, he comes into something which he fits. He’s a good fit for us.
"I think what he will do is give us a strength to play a little bit differently.
"What
Luke Hyam does is add to us. However we play, we have got combative people in
there, that’s how we have got to be from now on."
