Loan departures for Rotherham United youngsters

ATTACKING prospect Ciaran McGuckin is hoping he has earned himself a loan deal in the top division of non-league football.  

The teenager is one of a clutch of youngsters Rotherham United want to see gaining senior experience elsewhere.

Last Saturday he missed the Millers' friendly at Lincoln City to try out for Rochdale, who were relegated from League Two last term, in their pre-season clash against Bradford City. He spent last season with National League North Scarborough Athletic.

“We're waiting to hear if that's going to progress,” said manager Matt Taylor. “If we can get Ciaran to the National League with a full-time club that would be a great experience and great exposure for him.”

Centre-half Jake Hull is heading for another spell at National League North Buxton, attacking midfielder Curtis Durose has moved out to Scarborough and winger Joel Holvey and central defender Hamish Douglas are due to go to Northern Premier League Premier Division outfit Gainsborough Trinity.

“The most important thing for us is that they get the opportunity to play senior football,” Taylor said.

Hull had his first taste of EFL action towards the end of the 2021/22 campaign with League Two Hartlepool United and the Millers are disappointed the 21-year-old won't be testing himself somewhere higher than level six of the English pyramid in the next few months.

"Yeah, it's a shame, but that's his market," Taylor said. "We have to improve that market by him impressing people. He can do that only by playing games. There's no point in him just training with ourselves and no-one seeing him.

"He's got to go there and really shine and be the best defender at that level. Then hopefully a National League if not League Two club will say: 'We'll take him for the back end of the season.'"