Doncaster Rovers defender Matthew Mills is now back at Cantley Park training with the rest of the squad in his bid to break back into the side.

The defender was forced to cut short his initial loan deal from Manchester City prior to Christmas after picking up a knee injury; but has recently signed a new loan deal keeping him at Doncaster Rovers until the end of the season.

Now, Matt is fit and ready to be selected for first team action, and states that the possibility of playing week-in-week-out proved to be one that he couldn't ignore.

"I think that first-team football was a major factor in my thinking before I made my move," confesses the defender.

"When I spoke about my future with the people that I needed to - Championship clubs also came in for me - but I feel like I have started something here and I would like to come back, carry on and hopefully - finish on a high."

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Club before my injury," explains Mills.

"I don't see them as two different loan spells now, because I have signed on until the end of the season; it's made it one loan spell. I see it all as one. I was disappointed that I got injured prior to Christmas, but that is part and parcel of football. Unfortunately, I suffered a minor knee injury - but all is good now. I've been back in training for a month; two weeks with the physio and two weeks in full training accompanied by a couple of reserve games. I feel like I am ready again."

So, could we see Matt Mills line up for Doncaster Rovers against Leeds United for the big derby clash? Mills admits he's prepared and feels that the atmosphere at Elland Road is going to be a massive boost for whoever plays on Saturday.

"If the manager picks me on Saturday, I'm more than ready for that. Hopefully, the manager will."

"Playing at a stadium like Elland Road is what players thrive on - especially the big-game players. There is no better buzz than playing on a Saturday in front of a big crowd. If we turn up on the day and play to the best of our ability - there is no reason why we can't pick up three points."

The full interview with Matthew Mills will be appearing in February's edition of Rovers World - the official magazine of Doncaster Rovers Football Club.