Mills makes loan switch

Saints’ defender Joseph Mills has joined Scunthorpe United on a one-month emergency loan.

The 19-year-old left-sided player has made a good impression since making his debut back in August during the 2-0 League Cup victory over Birmingham.

However, since Czech international Rudi Skacel has been recalled to the side, Mills has found it hard to hold down a place in the first team, so Head Coach Mark Wotte has agreed to loan the youngster out in order to gain some valuable experience.

Speaking to saintsfc.co.uk, Wotte said, “Since Rudi came back in there has been more competition down the left side, with Andrew Surman and Lee Molyneux also able to play on that flank.

“I therefore thought it would be a good idea for Joseph to go to Scunthorpe to gain some valuable first team experience.”

Scunthorpe boss Nigel Adkins has been on the lookout for reinforcements as he struggles to deal with a defensive crisis that is causing The Irons all sorts of problems.

The arrival of ‘Fish’ will strengthen his options, and he goes straight into Tuesday night’s squad for the trip to Southend.

Talking about the move, Mills said, “I’m pleased to have got it all sorted, although it all came about quite quickly.

“Alot of other players like Simon Gillett have had similar spells on loan and it has helped their development.

“I also know a couple of the lads up there from England Under-18’s and I’m only about 20 minutes from Doncaster where my brother Matt is playing.”

Fellow Saints Academy graduate Matthew Mills is now a key part of Doncaster’s defence, and Joseph is now hoping to see more of his brother whilst out on loan.

“Matt was the first person I spoke to once the loan was agreed and it will be nice to see him a bit more often.

“I got my chance this season a little earlier than I had expected and it was surreal to go straight into playing in The Championship, but I feel I made a good start and will hopefully come back even stronger.”