Manager Stubbs played key role in landing Brown

The 19-year-old England youth international hooked up with the Millers earlier in the week and revealed it was Stubbs’ words that made him opt for the New York when other clubs were keen on his signature.

Izzy Brown signs in at the NYS.

The attacking midfielder, who trained with his new team-mates for the first time yesterday morning and is in contention to make his debut on Saturday when Rotherham host Brentford, said: “I had to consider what is best for me and best for my career.

“The manager said he would help me and progress me as a footballer, and help me off and on the pitch, which is what I need.

“I think the conversation that I had with the manager persuaded me to join Rotherham more than any other team.

“He said ‘you’ve got to fight for that starting place, and once you’ve got it you’ll be fine because you know what you can do on the pitch, so just go and show everyone what you can do.’

“Hopefully I can do that on Saturday.”

The former West Brom youngster spent last season on loan at Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem where he made 22 appearances, and is just as eager to get valuable game time under his belt this term.

The 19-year-old has represented England at youth level.

He said: “I could go somewhere I know it would be difficult – either lower Premier League or top Championship - and hard to play games because you have to fight for your place.

“Even here you have to fight to get your shirt, but here I thought I had more chance to play and show everyone what I can do.”

Brown is comfortable in a number of positions, but believes he is at his most effective when playing just behind a front man or out wide.

But he will be content just as long as he is in the starting line up more often than not.

He said: “I’m happiest in the number 10 role or out wide, because you can have more of an effect on the game.

Manager Alan Stubbs' persuasive words convinced Brown to sign.

“But I can also play in the number nine role, running in behind and holding the ball up.

“But I don’t really mind, if the manager needs me to play any position going forward I can do that, because growing up we played different positions all the time.”