Kusunga ‘shell-shocked’ after debut

in at the deep end . . . Genseric Kusunga wins an aerial dual at Rotherham on Saturday.

GENSERIC Kusunga was left shell-shocked after being thrown into the mix at Rotherham, Athletic manager Lee Johnson has revealed.

With James Tarkowski injured and Cliff Byrne on loan at Scunthorpe, the former Basel player was named in the team.

Kusunga (25), a full Angola international who was born in Geneva, coped with the heavy artillery of the Millers’ rugged approach after a sticky start.

While his chances of playing against Crewe on Saturday lie in the balance - both Tarkowski and James Dayton should be fit - Johnson says his taste of life at the sharp end will have served Kusunga well.

“Afterwards he couldn’t believe how many long balls were pumped down our throat,” said the manager.

“He probably won’t get it any worse than that, so at least he knows what it’s like now.

“I thought he did all right. It was a difficult game to come in to.

“He is athletic, he won a fair number of headers and put a couple of passes through.

“We have to ease him in and we will do that.”