By Andy Fitzsimons
Rotherham United yesterday secured the services of Harry Toffolo on an initial one-month loan deal from Barclays Premier League side Norwich City.
Toffolo, 20, who has already represented England at U18, U19 and U20 levels; and further helped Swindon Town to the brink of promotion to the Championship last season, was snapped up by Millers' boss Neil Redfearn as suitable cover for the injured Joe Mattock.
Since joining Canaries in 2012, the City fullback has become something of a set-piece specialist, which was evidenced during his season-long loan-spell with the Robins (Swindon Town). And following a number of rave reviews from fans and the media fraternity alike, Toffolo was awarded with a two-year contract at Carrow Road in the summer as he continues to attract attention from other big-name clubs.
Such is the importance of acquiring Toffolo's services; the defender is expected to be named in the Millers' starting line-up when they host second-place Reading at the New York Stadium tonight(19.45 k/o).
And while preparation time is at a premium, Toffolo is not phased by the short turnaround time; acknowledging that there is a job to do while on loan, which he aims to do well to help United out of the drop-zone.
“As a young footballer with a Premier League club, it's imperative to gain as much pitch-time as possible, so I am looking forward to the challenge by going on loan to Rotherham and working with Neil [Redfearn] and his team over the course of the next month or so.
“From what I have seen of Rotherham, their style of play belies their current league position, as I know that Neil likes to play good attacking football. In truth, it's probably only a matter of time before they start to push their way back up the table, so hopefully I can play my part to help them to achieve their goals,” he added.
Prior to arriving at the New York Stadium, Toffolo was the subject of repeated enquiries from other Football League clubs looking to secure his services. Now that the ink is dry in South Yorkshire, Toffolo is keen to make his mark against Reading, and continue where he left off last season after becoming a real fans' favourite in Wiltshire.
