Ben: I'll fight for my place

BEN Purrington says he is as committed as ever to making a success of his time at Rotherham United and putting his frustrations behind him.
Ben Purringon battles for possession at Wigan last Saturday. Pictures: TREVOR PRICEBen Purringon battles for possession at Wigan last Saturday. Pictures: TREVOR PRICE
Ben Purringon battles for possession at Wigan last Saturday. Pictures: TREVOR PRICE

A combination of injury and then the form of his rival for the left-back spot, Joe Mattock, has consigned the 21-year-old to some long months on the fringes this season.

It also led many to question his future at the club, questions which his manager Paul Warne was quick to swat away in the Advertiser last month when talking about the highly touted young defender signed for a six-figure fee from Plymouth Argyle last January.

Purrington is clearly on the same page as the boss, and not just because he has found his way back into the team due to an injury to Mattock. He says he was always aware of the situation and what was required to get in, and stay in, the team.

Ben told the Advertiser: "I was disappointed to have a long time out with an injury, it took longer than first anticipated. Joe was playing well and so was the team and I had to wait for my chance.

"Obviously you read different things but the gaffer told me all along to keep my head down and keep working hard, I knew what the situation was, especially not being involved in the squad.

"You're travelling to the games and taking in what's going on. Not being on the bench is frustrating at times but I understand it fully. I just try to keep going.

"Do I want to make a go of it here?  Of course, you want to do that wherever you are."

The Millers players thank the fans after Tuesday's win at Gillingham.

Mattock's impending return will give Warne a dilemma whether to stick with Purrington or recall arguably the team's most consistent performer this season.

Whatever he chooses to do, the Millers sees in the young defender a player he can nurture and develop. Purrington has helped the team two successive clean sheets at Wigan and Gillingham.

"I have no issues with Ben, there are no dramas," said Warne this week. "It's just that at that moment in time I saw Joe Mattock ahead of him. Just because players aren't in the squad doesn't mean I don't rate them and they're not good enough. It's just that there are other people in front of them and also that predominantly my bench usually has five attack-minded players, a goalkeeper and one defender.

"I have spoken to Ben on numerous occasions. He's a great kid and wants to improve and it makes no difference to me if you're 12th or 20th, you're still not in the 11.

"I always knew Ben could play. Defensively he's very sound. I think he can improve, as everyone can, and hopefully we can take him from being a great left-back to an excellent one."