Three-goal Kieran Sadlier's salute to Rotherham United youngster Ciaran McGuckin

Kieran Sadlier scores from the penalty spot. Picture by Kerrie Beddows

HAT-TRICK hero Kieran Sadlier heaped praise on one of his young Rotherham United teammates after the Millers' 5-0 EFL Trophy over romp over Manchester City Under-21s tonight.

Sadlier went home with the matchball and singled out the part teenage prospect Ciaran McGuckin played in his second-half treble at AESSEAL New York Stadium.

The 17-year-old Northern Ireland youth international, making his Millers debut, set up the former Doncaster Rovers man's second strike of the evening, an 81st-minute volley.

"It was great play from Ciaran," the scorer said. " A lot of players wouldn't have headed the ball back, they would have gone for goal.

"For a young lad, that was great awareness. That's why I made a point of going over to him and saying 'Well done'."

Sadlier also hit the target from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute and with a superb curling free-kick in the closing stages of the group-stage tie.

"The free-kick, I was always going to shoot." he said. "I was not crossing that! I wanted the hat-trick.

I could have scored even more. I had a few other chances. I'm happy with the performance and the goals."

Rotherham, having won all three of their group-stage games, are guaranteed a home tie when the knockout phase begins.