'Shown what I can do' - Confident Harry Gray reflects on Leeds United loan spell after latest Rotherham goal
The teenage Leeds United star notched his third League One goal of the season on Saturday.
Out-on-loan Leeds United star Harry Gray believes he has proved able to compete against senior opposition during a six-month stint at Rotherham United.
Gray scored his third League One goal of that loan spell to help Rotherham win 2-0 at Leyton Orient on Saturday. The 17-year-old cut inside from the left and curled a cross towards the back post from the corner of the box, it eventually going through everyone and into the far corner.
Rotherham’s relegation to League Two was confirmed the prior weekend but Gray still has three more games to continue learning and developing at the New York Stadium. And while the collective goal of survival has not been achieved, Leeds’ young star is happy with his temporary spell.
“Individually, I think I've done well,” he told the Rotherham Advertiser following Saturday’s win. “I think I've shown what I can do and that's what I came here to do - to prove that I can do it against senior players and stuff.
“I've enjoyed it so much, playing all the time. That's what I needed. I don't really think too much of it, I don't really get too high or too low, I take it as it comes. Every day, just do your best, work hard - that's all you can do, really.”
Gray has also come through the uncertainty of a mid-season managerial change at Rotherham, with Matt Hamshaw sacked last month. He was replaced by former Newcastle United and Fulham midfielder Lee Clark, who has been unable to turn the tide.
But for Gray, the new manager’s fresh ideas have added further benefit to his loan stint in South Yorkshire. The teenager is not only gaining confidence in expressing himself going forward, but also discipline when out of possession - something parent club boss Daniel Farke demands.
Harry Gray on new Rotherham boss
“He's demanding more from players,” Gray said of his new head coach. “It's good, it's what you need. Today showed what he can get out of us. Let's have a strong end to the season.
“He's given me the opportunity to express myself, but also given me instructions when I don't have the ball. It's what you need, really - instructions, but also the freedom to do what you want when you're in possession.
“There are moments where I switch off without the ball and I get told what I need to do. That's a side to my game that I need to improve.”
Gray will be expected to get another chance to score in front of the Rotherham fans when his side host Luton Town on Tuesday. They’re home against Reading the day before Leeds face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final and travel to Wycombe Wanderers on the final day.
“There have been moments where we've shown, but in a 90-minute performance we've not been our best at times,” Gray added. “We've let ourselves down. Today showed that we can do it, but it's too little, too late, I guess.”