The 'new John Stones' debuts for League One club aged 16 amid Manchester City, West Ham interest
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Rotherham Unitedhanded Manchester City and West Ham target Harrison Duncan his senior debut in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.
Rotherham United were among the clubs in action in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.
The competition may not draw quite as much attention as it used to, but there will have been some intrigued viewers of the Millers’ game last night. The clash with Newcastle United’s U21s saw Steve Evans hand a full senior debut to teenage centre-back Harrison Duncan.
The EFL Trophy regularly sees sides rotate and give opportunities to younger players but Duncan is one who has found himself in the headlines of late.
Reports stated that he has been dubbed as the ‘new John Stones’ amid his rapid breakthrough at the Yorkshire club and Rotherham United have already seen interest emerge. Premier League duo Manchester City and West Ham have both been linked with moves for 16-year-old Duncan.
The centre-back played 71 minutes at the heart of defence on Tuesday night and managed the step up well. Duncan has previously found senior game time in non-league with Doncaster City while he has also trained regularly with Evans’ side.
What was said about his performance?
Speaking to the Rotherham Advertiser after the game, Rotherham United assistant manager Paul Raynor praised Duncan for taking the opportunity ‘with both hands’ and rising to the challenge. He said:
“Harrison wasn’t fazed by that and he wasn’t fazed tonight. It’s another step in his learning process. He took his chance with both hands and we’re delighted with him.”
Raynor went on to add:
“We deliberately put Joe [Rafferty] in there to nurse Harrison through a little bit, but he didn’t need much nursing, to be fair. He took everything in his stride. He’s been training with the first-team for a few weeks now so he knows all the guys.”
Admiring glances
If an eye-catching rise and comparisons with John Stones weren’t attracting widescale interest before, Duncan’s Rotherham United debut at only 16 is sure to put clubs on alert.
Newcastle United are a regular recruiter of youth starlets themselves, so they got a first-hand impression of what the Millers starlet can offer as their youngsters fell to a 3-1 defeat.
Clubs will now be eagerly awaiting Duncan’s next senior opportunity as he continues his come-up.
While many have seen games postponed for international call-ups, Rotherham United will be in action against Peterborough United this weekend. The tie pits Evans up against one of his former employers away from home.
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