Rotherham United have shown their faith in Joshua Koyade by rewarding the Republic of Ireland U21 striker with a new contract. 

The 20-year old has tied his career to the Yorkshire club until at least the summer of 2024.

Koyade has spent this season on-loan at Roddy Collins' old demesne of Carlisle United, scoring six goals in 30 appearance for the League Two side.

He made his Republic of Ireland U21 debut in November's European Championship qualifier defeat to Iceland at Tallaght Stadium, and scored three days later against Luxembourg having been given a first start by Jim Crawford.

"I'm really happy", Kayode told Rotherham TV, "I've been here since I was 16. It's the first club I came over here to.

"It feels really good, I'm excited to see what the future holds for me."

Prior to his spell at Carlisle, Koyade spent the first half of the 2019-20 campaign at Gateshead, a move he says primed him for life in the EFL.

"When I went to Gateshead I was a bit sceptical about going there into non-league, but it did me the world of good, and Carlisle as well," he said.

"I'm still there now and enjoying every minute of it.

"It's shown me a different side of the game that I didn't know there was.

"[The physical side] is the biggest one. I've gone from playing in the youth team and reserve games to playing against men who are playing for their wages.

"It's totally different. I'm enjoying it and just hope I can continue in the way I'm going and push on from here."

While parent club Rotherham continue to battle against relegation to League One, Koyade is hoping to help Carlisle reach the third tier.

With just six games remaining of the regular season, they're only three-points adrift of the playoff places.

The Wembley dream is keeping Koyade enthused about his remaining weeks at Carlisle, "I went there with that in mind," he said, "to hopefully get promoted and win something.

"If we get to the play-off final and get promoted it will mean it's been a successful loan, and thats my goal now."

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