Club eyes more international games

Having collaborated with Rotherham United for last Friday's U19s match against Italy, the FA has promised to bring back more such matches to the town.

That raises the prospect of England's U20s or U21s turning out at the New York, further raising the profile of the venue which has also staged England Women and England U18s matches in the last 18 months.

The Millers say they have had positive feedback, not only from Rotherham but other areas since last Friday's match which ended in an impressive 3-0 win for England.

The club's chief operating officer, Paul Douglas, said: “There was a different type of atmosphere and that wasn't by accident.

“The FA want to see increased opportunities for people to see international football, particularly young people and we worked proactively with with local schools the County FA to reach those groups.

“The FA have been complimentary about their experience before, during and after Friday's match and we've had every assurance they will come back."

Meanwhile, Championship football returns to the New York Stadium tomorrow when Rotherham United chase a first win in six against Birmingham City. It's the first of back-to-back games against teams at the lower end, with Blackpool the visitors next week.

Millers chief Steve Evans said: “These are big games in so much as they are against teams around us but there are big games every week for us.

“We will not be playing in the Championship next season based on two wins or two defeats in these matches but if we do well it lifts us to that mid-table area. If we've added three points to our total come Saturday night then it's a massive weekend against Blackpool but first we have to focus on Birmingham."