New boy Loach tipped to challenge

MILLERS chief Steve Evans expects new goalkeeper Scott Loach to provide stiff competition for Wembley hero Adam Collin.

Loach (26) has signed from Ipswich Town on a two-year deal after falling behind Dean Gerken in the pecking order last season at Portman Road.

But with Championship experience, not to mention a dozen caps for England U21s and two call-ups to the full national squad – first for a friendly against Hungary in 2010 and then for two Euro 2012 qualifiers – he arrives with a good CV.

The move to Rotherham offers him a chance to get regular football again and Evans says his replacement for Scott Shearer, released last week, has the attributes to achieve it.

He told the Advertiser: “When we signed Adam from Carlisle last season, I said 'let battle commence' between him and Scott Shearer, and now I am saying exactly the same again.

“Scott played for Ipswich about a dozen times last season but he's still only 26, he made more than 160 starts for Watford in the Championship and only less than two years ago he was involved with the full England squad.

“He's 6ft 4in, he kicks well and he has a good presence and he's another great addition.”

Loach becomes promoted Rotherham's third summer signing, following midfielder Conor Newton from Newcastle and striker Matt Derbyshire from Nottingham Forest.