THE BIG MATCH: Former Leeds midfielder looking to get one over on old club

ON-LOAN midfielder Tom Adeyemi is no stranger to the electric atmosphere of a Yorkshire derby between Rotherham United and Leeds.

It is almost a year to the day that the Cardiff midfielder – then on loan with Leeds –came on just after the hour mark against the Millers at Elland Road.

The 25-year-old couldn’t prevent former Leeds boss Neil Redfearn notching his first win as Millers manager on November 21, 2015 when a Joe Newell header was the difference between the two sides.

Adeyemi also sampled the New York Stadium atmosphere during the return clash in April, but was an unused substitute for the visitors as the Millers once again claimed bragging rights following a 2-1 victory.

READ: Joe Newell speaks about today's clash

But as he prepares to face his former club in today’s televised clash, Adeyemi is only focussing on one thing; winning three points for the Millers.

He said: “I remember the atmosphere from last season, Leeds always bring a big following to away games, in particular a Yorkshire derby like this.

“Our fans are going to turn out in their numbers and hopefully get behind us so should be a good atmosphere.

“But for me it’s just another game and there’s three points up for grabs."

Adeyemi endured mixed fortunes while with the West Yorkshire club but still looks back on his time with today’s visitors fondly.

READ: What's former Rotherham and Leeds boss Steve Evans saying about today's derby?

ADEYEMI IN ACTION FOR THE MILLERS

He said: “I really enjoyed my time at Elland Road, first half of the season I played a lot of games and really enjoyed it, second half of the season it became a little more difficult but it’s a time I look back on with real fondness.

“It’s a great club, a massive club with a great group of lads, a lot of who are still there, so I’m looking forward to playing against them.”

The former Norwich and Birmingham man has had a stop-start season so far after suffering niggling injuries early in the season.

He came back into the starting XI for last week’s 3-0 away defeat to Derby County and will be hoping to keep his starting spot in Kenny Jackett’s side today.

Adeyemi added: “For me personally it’s been a little bit difficult because I had a few injuries early in the season, so it’s only the last few weeks that I’ve been training with the group and working closely with the gaffer, but I’ve enjoyed it.

“I came here with the intention of getting regular football again. Over the last few seasons that’s something I’ve been missing as I’ve been in and out.”

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