MATCHDAY CENTRE: Jackett confident after first game

NEW Millers boss Kenny Jackett praised his side for their hard work and endeavour in his maiden game in charge, despite falling to a 1-0 home defeat to Reading.

Reading substitute Paul McShane pounced four minutes from time to condemn Rotherham to their seventh straight defeat, but Jackett saw enough to believe his side can escape the drop.

ANALYSIS: Green shoots of recovery in Jackett's first game

He said: “I felt the work-rate, effort and commitment of the players was very good. We went toe-to-toe with Reading.

“We had a good number of chances and were a threat from set-pieces, we just couldn’t convert them.

“We are disappointed to lose the game, but the players have to keep up that effort, work-rate and attitude and not get too disappointed. That’s the important thing because that’s when things can fall away.

“There was a big effort and the crowd responded very well and like all of us, they will be disappointed with the loss.”

JACKETT TALKS TO THE MEDIA FOLLOWING 1-0 LOSS AGAINST READING

With the Millers now eight points adrift at the foot of the Championship table, Jackett is sure that the 32 remaining fixtures give him enough time to turn things around.

He added: “There is enough of the season left to get things going, I definitely I feel I can keep them up.”

PLAYER RATINGS: Do you agree?