England youngster Blair Turgott will be hoping to get more first-team experience under his belt in 2014 after joining Rotherham United on loan.
The West Ham United winger has joined the League One side on a youth loan and goes straight into Steve Evans’ squad to face Shrewsbury Town this weekend.
Turgott has been a regular for the Young Lions over the years, scoring on his debut for the U16s in the 2009 Victory Shield against Northern Ireland and going on to feature for the U17s, U18s and U19s in recent years.
Turgott in action for England U17s against the Netherlands in the Euro semi-final of 2011.
During that time, the 19-year-old helped England to the Euro U17 semi-finals in 2011 and featured in the U17 World Cup in Mexico later that year, scoring a memorable goal against Canada as John Peacock’s team reached the quarter final.
After enjoying a loan spell with Bradford City last season, when he helped the Bantams to reach the League Cup final at Wembley, Turgott has spent time with Colchester United this campaign and also made his West Ham debut in their recent FA Cup game with Nottingham Forest.
And Millers boss Evans is looking forward to seeing him in action for the South Yorkshire club.
“Our fans will like him that is for sure,” said Evans.
“He is a winger, he’s quick, he is skilful and we have handpicked this lad because we think he’ll make a real impact starting games and coming off the bench, he is a player who will excite the fans.
“He is a winger, he’s quick, he is skilful.”
Steve Evans on Blair Turgott
“He will like to get one-on-one with the full back and use his pace and strength, the full-back will need a ticket at times to get back to him.
“We feel that he brings something to this squad that we needed, and this is a further endorsement that we are not looking at players who are 33 or 34 who are looking for one last swansong.
“We are looking to sign young, hungry and talented individuals who have a bright future in the game and who have points to prove, and here is another example of that.”
