Let’s get the ball rolling - Mills

Joseph Mills: won’t need much to get a run going

AFTER being moved up the pitch to become Athletic’s latest winger, Joseph Mills is hoping to stick around to continue his good form.

The loaned Burnley player again came close to breaking his scoring duck against Leyton Orient at the weekend. His left-footed deliveries have consistently caused chaos in opposing defences during a nine-match stay at Boundary Park.

Mills admitted he enjoyed turning out further up the field against Orient more than he had in his previous eight games under Lee Johnson.

While tonight’s game at Preston in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy is a respite from the league, Mills knows better than most that the knockout test offers not only a chance to take a step towards Wembley, but also to set a roll of positive results going.

“We have been very unfortunate in a lot of games,” added Mills. “It’s that tiny bit of luck that’s missing.

“I have been in teams where things haven’t been going, then.one or two things start to click and it turns around. We are inches away from turning the corner.”

The positive feeling in the dressing room is still being replicated among the supporters, says the player.

“The fans were right behind us from the start against Orient,” he said. “The first-half performance showed that if they get behind us, they can push us on.

“Away from home as well, we took a lot of fans down to Crawley recently and I have been very impressed by the support here.”

Mills is aiming to stick around beyond tonight, which marks the end of his second month on loan at the club.

After that he could stay for another month to make it a maximum of 93 days at the club. Any further return would have to wait until the transfer window early next year.

“If this is my last game, then I will go into it like any other, giving 100 per cent.

“If the loan is extended then great. If the chance arises, I will stay.”

mattchambers@oldham-chronicle.co.uk