Boss's delight as versatile Cameron Humphreys signs for Rotherham United

Cameron Humphreys with his new Millers shirt in Croatia.

CAMERON Humphreys has signed for Rotherham United with a glowing reference from manager Paul Warne.

The Millers snapped up the 23-year-old free agent after his departure from Belgian club Zulte Waregem, where he has spent the last three years.

A graduate of the youth set-up at Manchester City, Humphreys spent four years there before trying his hand abroad where Rotherham have kept tabs on him.

Warne said: "He is a player who has been on our radar a bit. I like him because he is a front-foot defender. He can pass, he can step in, he has got pace and he's at a good age. He's obviously had an upbringing at Man City but he has also played a few years abroad.

"With our back three, he can play in all three positions along the back line so his versatility is key.

"He adds a bit of quality, agression and pace, which are three attributes we like in our defenders."

Humphreys first made headlines when former City boss Manuel Pellegrini handed him a starting role in a friendly fixture against Real Madrid in Melbourne.

Then 16, he lined up against a full-strength Madrid outfit containing Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema.

He joined Belgian top-flight side Zulte Waregem in 2019, where he made more than appearances in all competitions over a three-year stay. He also had a spell with Dutch second-tier side Excelsior.

The 6ft 2in centre back has been capped by England up to U19s level, making his debut for the U17s at the age of 14.

Humphreys hooked up with the Millers' first team squad at their summer training camp in Croatia today where the deal was completed.

Warne added: "Cameron is a free agent and Rob Scott (recruitment chief) has been working with his agent for a while now so we are pleased to get it over the line.

"I had Facetime with the player about two weeks ago and he hadn't had the joy of us shouting at him in Croatia in 34 degree heat, but that's obviously coming!"

Humphreys becomes the Millers' sixth new face of the summer and is a welcome addition to the squad's depleted defensive ranks.

Strikers Conor Washington and Tom Eaves, right wing-back Peter Kioso, centre-half Jamie McCart and utility man Cohen Bramall are already on board.