Three-goal Kieran Sadlier's salute to Rotherham United youngster Ciaran McGuckin

HAT-TRICK hero Kieran Sadlier heaped praise on one of his young Rotherham United teammates after the Millers' 5-0 EFL Trophy over romp over Manchester City Under-21s tonight.
Kieran Sadlier scores from the penalty spot. Picture by Kerrie BeddowsKieran Sadlier scores from the penalty spot. Picture by Kerrie Beddows
Kieran Sadlier scores from the penalty spot. Picture by Kerrie Beddows

Sadlier went home with the matchball and singled out the part teenage prospect Ciaran McGuckin played in his second-half treble at AESSEAL New York Stadium.

The 17-year-old Northern Ireland youth international, making his Millers debut, set up the former Doncaster Rovers man's second strike of the evening, an 81st-minute volley.

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"It was great play from Ciaran," the scorer said. " A lot of players wouldn't have headed the ball back, they would have gone for goal.

"For a young lad, that was great awareness. That's why I made a point of going over to him and saying 'Well done'."

Sadlier also hit the target from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute and with a superb curling free-kick in the closing stages of the group-stage tie.

"The free-kick, I was always going to shoot." he said. "I was not crossing that! I wanted the hat-trick.

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I could have scored even more. I had a few other chances. I'm happy with the performance and the goals."

Rotherham, having won all three of their group-stage games, are guaranteed a home tie when the knockout phase begins.