Miller's Charlton Preview
Mickel Miller made his long-awaited Argyle debut when coming on as a substitute at Burton Albion on Saturday – and it has made him hungry for more football.
He will get that opportunity on Tuesday night, as Argyle face Charlton Athletic at Home Park in the Papa Johns Trophy second round.
Having impressed in pre-season, Miller tore his thigh before the season got under way, and it has been a naturally frustrating wait for the wing-back. Despite the circumstances of his Argyle bow – the Pilgrims drew 2-2 at Burton thanks to an Albion leveller deep into stoppage time – it was still a great day for Mickel, personally.
“It was amazing,” he told Argyle TV. “It’s been a long time. It was good to be back with the boys. We didn’t get the three points, but it was nice. I haven’t felt that feeling in a while.
“So much goes through your head. You think ‘damn, no-one is going to get to see me.’ When you go to a new club you have to prove yourself and earn your stripes. But everything gets put on hold because you can’t show what you can do. You just feel hopeless; it’s not a nice feeling.
“I want to see the boys doing well, because then there is no pressure on anyone who is injured to rush back. You take your time, make sure you are right, and then you can ease your way into the team. It’s easier when they are doing well.
“The Gaffer and the staff said: ‘no rush, take your time.’ If you rush back, then you can get injured again.
“Playing here properly will be good, and to get more minutes, ease my way in and get to match fitness. I’m feeling good. I feel a lot stronger than I did.”
Miller is a current holder of the Papa Johns Trophy – as, indeed, are the Millers. Mickel played in the final for Rotherham United in last season’s final, as the South Yorkshire side beat Sutton United to claim the trophy.
It was an experience that Mickel clearly treasures.
“Getting to the final and playing at Wembley was something I will never forget,” he said. “When you get to the semis you start to think ‘we’re close, here.’
“Now more than ever people know about the opportunity of winning it. When you achieve things in your career, it is rare. Not many people win a cup, or a league. You have to take every opportunity. [Winning it twice in a row] would be amazing."
