Leeds United teenage prospect Harry Gray has made a return to Thorp Arch after picking up a hamstring strain on loan at Rotherham United but his season is not over according to his new boss.
Gray has been ever present for the Millers since making the loan move to League One in January to aid their survival fight. The 17-year-old was missing in midweek, however, when Rotherham were drubbed by Peterborough United. The next day, boss Matt Hamshaw was sacked and the Millers wasted no time in replacing him with Lee Clark. Gray will not be present for the first couple of weeks of the Clark reign, as the ex-Newcastle United man attempts to save Rotherham from relegation. The teen has returned to Leeds for treatment on a hamstring issue.
“Yes, that's right,” said Clark. “That's a very common practice with loan players, especially when you're dealing with young ones. Harry can benefit from the medical facilities at his own Premier League club, especially with Leeds just being down the road. We're hopeful on Harry being available for the next group of matches after Saturday, which will be a big boost.”
Gray was extremely highly-rated by his first Rotherham boss, Hamshaw, who talked him up at every opportunity. The Millers all-but guaranteed game time, which helped them convince Leeds and Gray to make the move possible in the January window. Clark is keen to get the young attacker back involved as soon as possible.
“He's a very exciting young player who comes from great pedigree,” he said. “I'm looking forward to Harry returning with, hopefully, a few others after the weekend. Injuries have blighted the season. When I came in this morning, I saw probably as many players in the medical room as there are available for selection. We know the personnel for Saturday. Hopefully, players can come back for the remaining eight games after that and then help us get the job done.”
Rotherham travel to league-leading Lincoln City on Saturday, who are managed by former Leeds coach Michael Skubala. Their next game after that is at New York Stadium when Stevenage visit. Gray’s injury is thought to be relatively minor and should only keep him out for two to three weeks maximum.
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