Rotherham United’s Brandon Cover on international call-ups and training with Jamie Vardy

"Nah, nah, nah, I wouldn't say I sorted him out," laughs Brandon Cover.

The Rotherham United player is reminiscing about his early days as a pro and the times he used to come up against a rather decent striker in training.

Jamie Vardy.

"He's a great footballer who's had a great career," Cover says. "When you see it live in the flesh and he's doing it drill after drill, it's a thrill just watching greatness like that."

Back then, the Millers man was a kid full-back trying to make his way with Leicester City. These days, he's a key member of Rotherham's midfield after making a switch in position since his arrival at AESSEAL New York Stadium last January.

Not that his focus is on the Millers right now. The Colchester-born 23-year-old qualifies for Jamaica through his father's heritage and he's away on international duty with the Reggae Boyz for their two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final with Mexico.

"Yeah, it's a massive step up from League Two," he says. "A lot of the players play in the Premier League, the Championship or in the top divisions in other countries. The tempo is high, so I've got to step up to that speed. It's a very good set-up - very professional.

"I've had a few calls now and it's always a great privilege. I'm always asking questions, always willing to learn. The experience and knowledge some of the guys have is unbelievable. If I can take just one per cent of that, it will definitely help my game.

"We did well last time in the group stages, so now it's time to kick on in the knockouts. I want to represent my country and showcase the good work I've done with Rotherham.

"It's a different type of experience to club football. You're representing a nation instead of a town or a city, so it's on a bigger scale. The aim is the same, though - at the end of the day, you just want to win."

We're talking at Roundwood earlier this month, before his flight to the Caribbean. He's a good lad and his fast-talking chirpiness is always welcome in the interview room.

He's sitting there in a mint-green Puma jogging suit and black New Balance trainers, with a bottle of water by his side. Two days later, he'll be part of the Rotherham team that wins 2-0 at Bromley in the first round of the FA Cup.

It's a welcome distraction from the fourth tier where the Millers haven't tasted victory since September 19.

"We're all sticking together, and I'm sure the results will follow very soon," Cover says. "It's going to come. We've been playing some good football at times. We're just itching for that win, really.

"You have to stay positive, even though that's difficult sometimes. As a footballer, you have so many ups and downs. I think we all know how to navigate that. Every week is a new beginning.

"We've got good experienced pros in the dressing room, we've got some good characters, we've got some good young players. We're all keeping each going, really."

One of those good characters is with him in the Jamaican set-up: Denzell Hall who has been summoned for the first time.

"I'm happy for him," says Cover. "Hopefully he gets settled in with the lads over there. They've made me feel welcome, so I'm sure they'll make him feel welcome, too."

Meanwhile, his experience of that rather decent striker extends beyond mere training sessions with Leicester.

The pair were teammates when Cover made his senior debut, as a 20-year-old, for the Foxes in a 3-0 triumph over Birmingham City in the FA Cup in January 2024.

"I was proper nervous," he recalls. "Playing with the likes of Jamie Vardy was a surreal experience and I'll always remember that day."

Since then, there have been loan spells at Port Vale and Fleetwood Town, followed by his permanent move to S60 on an 18-month deal.

He was in and out of the side in the second half of last season, making 10 appearances, but has nailed down a starting berth this term in his 14 outings.

"Playing in midfield is a bit different from right-back," he says. "I've enjoyed it. I definitely feel like the centre of the park is where I belong now."

And, regardless of his international status, there's a degree of humility about him.

"I'm just looking to keep playing and to help the team get some wins," he says. "Wins are the main goal. It's about Rotherham, not me."

* Jamaica are at home to Panama in the early hours of Sunday and play the away leg in the early hours of Wednesday.