Northern Ireland midfielder Shane Ferguson has signed for EFL League One side Rotherham United.
Ferguson joins the Millers on a free transfer after leaving Championship side Millwall back in May.
The 30-year-old has agreed a two-year deal with Rotherham but has the option of signing on for a further 12 months at the New York Stadium.
Millers boss Paul Warne believes Ferguson, who spent the last six seasons in south London and made over 200 appearances for Millwall, will be a great addition to his squad.
He told the Yorkshire Post:
"I wanted some strength down the left side and Shane with his ability to play in three different positions – left back, left wing back, left wing - is a perfect addition.
"I had a Zoom call with him and really liked him. I like the fact that he's played internationally and played in big games. He did really at Millwall. All the work and due diligence we had done on him was really good and I just thought he would come in, be good competition for everyone down that side of the pitch and improve us.
"Fundamentally, that's what we try to do in every recruitment window: improve the team. It's not always easy but if you want to improve sometimes your signings can take a little bit longer. He's got a two-year deal with an option for both for the third year."
✍️| 𝗙𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘂𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀.
— Rotherham United (@OfficialRUFC) July 20, 2021
Paul Warne adds out of contract Northen Ireland international Shane Ferguson to his ranks at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
More here. ⬇️#rufc | #ForeverTogetherForeverProudhttps://t.co/FQjQfdX3BF pic.twitter.com/TOG3yg8QoH
And Warne further revealed:
"A club like us have to make sure everything is right. I know the player had other options and we're very fortunate that in the end he chose us."
Ferguson, who turned pro after signing a three-year deal with Newcastle United in 2009 and had loan spells with Birmingham City and Rangers before joining Millwall, has played 47 times for his country to date, scoring once. He also made over 30 appearances for Northern Ireland at youth level.
He told the Rotherham United website that both his and the club’s aim is to get back to the EFL Championship as soon as possible. The Millers were relegated from England’s second tier last season.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland U21 international defender Lewis Thompson has joined EFL League Two side Scunthorpe United on a one-year deal.
He joins Scunthorpe after being released by Championship side Blackburn Rovers, whom he joined in 2016 from Manchester United’s academy.
