Mills has no regrets over Royals switch

Sportsdesk • Published 30 Dec 2009 17:00 0 Comments

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MATT MILLS insists he does not regret his move to Reading as he prepares for a rare start in the FA Cup third round clash against Liverpool on Saturday (5.15pm ko, live ITV1).

The 23-year-old has made just seven starts this season in all competitions following his £2 million move from Doncaster Rovers last summer.

And even a change of manager has failed to improve his status as Mills was once again an unused substitute for Brian McDermott's side in the 4-1 defeat at Plymouth Argyle on Monday.

And, with rumours of interest from Queens Park Rangers, Mills future remains uncertain as we enter the January transfer window.

But the ex-Manchester City and Southampton centre-back is almost certain to get the nod against Rafa Benitez's Reds this weekend as McDermott shuffles his squad.

However, Mills is clearly far from happy with his lack of first-team opportunities.

"When you are playing and losing it's disappointing and when you are not involved and losing it's even more disappointing," admitted Mills.

"You just sit there and you can't help out the lads and influence the game. We've got Liverpool in the FA Cup on Saturday and I'd love to play in that kind of game, everybody would.

"But whether it's Liverpool or Plymouth it's the same to me, they're both important. In fact, Plymouth away more so because of our position in the league.

"But you can You can never regret things. It is what it is. I'm not being picked at the minute but I go in and do my work and try my best to get in the side.

"You've got to stay behind the lads and support the boys who have been given the shirt."

QPR have been linked with a £1 million swoop for Mills in January, though Royals will almost certainly want more if they decide to sell.

"I've not thought about the transfer window, I just take each day as it comes," insisted Mills.

"Going into every game I think I've got a chance of being involved and when you are told you are not it's a setback.

"But that's football, that's life. I'm sure I'm not the only one to have setbacks.

With loan defender Darren O'Dea now back training with Celtic, Royals have three specialist centre-backs in skipper Ivar Ingimarsson, Alex Pearce and Mills.

However, Mills' is yet to feature in a game since caretaker boss McDermott replaced Brendan Rodgers.

"It's good for Brian because he's been at the club a long time," added Mills. "With Brendan going the club needed to turn to someone to take the job over.

"Brian's come in and been enthusiastic and he's gone about his work well. But is still hasn't changed my situation.

"However, you never know what's going to happen in football because it's all about opinions. At the moment the manager is picking a team he feels can get a result and everyone has to back him on that decision."

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