Rotherham United boss Alex Bruce has seemingly shut down the prospect of ex-Glenavon goalkeeper Jacob Carney joining the League Two outfit despite spending time with the club, declaring “he's just training”.

Former Manchester United youngster Carney left the Lurgan Blues this summer following their Premiership relegation, meaning he’s available as a free agent.

Despite Glenavon dropping into Northern Ireland’s second tier for the first time in over 20 years, Carney was one of their standout performers.

The 25-year-old missed almost three months with a hand injury before returning in December and made 26 league appearances.

placeholder image — Jacob Carney left Glenavon after one season. (Photo by INPHO/Stephen Hamilton)

Carney was hailed as “one of the best in the division” by former Glenavon manager Paddy McLaughlin during his loan stint at Portadown and arrived at Mourneview Park from Newport County last August.

He played three times in the Football League for County and also previously enjoyed spells at Sunderland and Spanish club Castellón.

Rotherham-born Carney has been training with his local team across recent weeks and warmed up with Bruce's side ahead of their pre-season clash with Alfreton Town on Tuesday night.

However, Bruce has played down suggestions Carney is set to join the club ahead of their League Two campaign, telling Rotherham Advertiser, the News Letter’s sister title: “He's just training.”

It’s understood Carney has attracted interest from several Football League sides as he searches for his next club.

Former England and Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren is currently serving as Rotherham’s Head of Football, making key decisions on new arrivals at the New York Stadium.

After signing Carney ahead of last season, McLaughlin said: “Though Jacob is still young he’s had a lot good experience at a higher level and is the calibre of player we’re looking to attract here.

“It’s no secret that I like my teams to play good football and that includes build up from the back.

"You can see that in the other players we’ve brought in. Jacob fits that perfectly. He’s good with his feet and will help us with that dimension of our game.

“We also had some steep competition for Jacob’s signature including a few last minute attempts to scupper our approach but it’s testament both to the club’s commitment to investing in young talent and to Jacob’s integrity that he’s now a Glenavon player.”