Millar time!

WARMING UP: Athletic target Mark Oxley in action for Hull City.

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KIRK Millar has been challenged to prove he is worthy of a starting spot for Athletic.

The 20 year old has signed a new 12-month deal and manager Lee Johnson wants him to

continue to progress in his new central role up front.

Millar scored his first senior goal in the 1-1 draw at Leyton Orient on the final afternoon of the 2012-13 season.

After signing his first professional deal with the club in April 2010, he made only two starts in three years before being brought back by Johnson.

After spending part of the season on loan at Chorley, Millar has started twice and come off the bench six times under his new boss.

“I see Kirk as a striker, one of four or five,” Johnson said. “I see potential in him. He has a game I like and whether he starts matches or comes on as a substitute next season is really down to him.

“He has a lot of improving in him, but also the right raw attributes.”

Johnson is taking a cautious approach to building the team ahead of the new season.

“I don’t want to rush the next two or three signings,” he added. “Certainly not with a centre-back and centre-forward. I also want to see if Jonson Clarke-Harris can become a main striker.”



Hull City goalkeeper Mark Oxley has again been linked with a loan move to Athletic.

Oxley (22) recently signed a two-year contract at the KC Stadium, but manager Steve Bruce is keen to loan him out to pick up experience. He came into Boundary Park for discussions with manager Lee Johnson last week.