Rotherham boss Matt Taylor has delivered a shocking verdict on the League of Ireland.
The Millers chief was hailing his former Bohemians striker - and last weekend’s match-winning goalscorer - Georgie Kelly when he stuck the boot in.
Taylor described Kelly, who now has three goals in Rotherham colours despite an injury-plagued start to his career with the English outfit, as a “cult hero.”
But his remarks on the League of Ireland caught the eye.
“I've been here for two minutes. He's still incredibly raw,” said Taylor.
“He’s come from Ireland which, with no disrespect to Irish football, is the equivalent of non-league level in the English pyramid.”
Donegal native Kelly scored 21 goals in 31 league appearances for Bohs last season.
But if there were any doubts about his ability to play at a higher level, he dispelled them when he bagged four goals in six European appearances last season.
And Bohs’ incredible run, which featured progress against Icelandic side Stjarnan and F91 Dudelange of Luxembourg is surely deserving of better than a comparison with the English non-league.
Greek giants PAOK barely scraped past the Gypsies, losing 2-1 at the Aviva before winning 2-0 at home, on their way to the quarter-finals.
Taylor added: “Suddenly, he's learning his trade in the Championship. That's so difficult for him to do. I want people to be patient with him.
“There'll be times where people judge him the other way and he won't always get the plaudits. In terms of an attitude and a physicality, we've got something to work with.
“He already feels like that cult hero.”
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