JERRY Yates never expected to be linking up with Eoin Doyle on Saturday when he was granted to all-clear to return to Swindon Town by Rotherham chief Paul Warne on Wednesday morning.

Yates arrived back in Wiltshire exactly a week after he was recalled by the Millers, and was pleasantly surprised when Irish strike partner Doyle penned a permanent deal with Town only hours later.

The 23-year-old striker didn’t add to his impressive goal tally during Saturday’s top of the table clash against Exeter City, though he certainly would’ve had he not fluffed his lines on the edge of the six-yard box after he received an accurate pass from Rob Hunt.

Doyle promptly trotted over to Yates after the miss to quiz the striker on what he could’ve done better in that situation. And the northerner now consequently views Doyle as a mentor both on and off the pitch.

Yates said: “When I came back and saw him, I was more than happy. I missed a chance in the first half, and he said to me ‘what do you think you could’ve done better?’

“To me, that put me on the spot and made me think. He helps me everyday in training and I’m thrilled to have someone like that to look up to in training.

“Anyone in this moment would love to have Eoin Doyle, so to have him back in the club is crazy.

“We’re all back together now, and morale is high. When you see Eoin walk through the door it is a massive boost of confidence.

“I didn’t expect him to return, to be honest. Richie (Wellens) said he was 99 per cent sure it wouldn’t happen, and we were told that too.”

Yates also spoke highly of on loan midfielder Diallang Jaiyesimi, who earned Wellens’ praise during Saturday’s post-match press conference following the completion of a number of excellent forward-thinking passes.

The Rotherham man insists Jaiyesimi can read the game well, and it helps to make both Yates and Doyle complete their typical runs into the penalty area.

Yates added: “Diallang (Jaiyesimi) is a serious talent, you can see his feet day in day out on the pitch and he does some special things in training too.

“To see him become even more consistent and do those things in games is nice to see. He creates a lot of chances and scores a lot of goals, at the moment I’m buzzing for him.

“He reads the game well – we practice stuff in training so he knows what runs myself Eoin (Doyle) and Hallam (Hope) like to make.

“He puts balls on a plate for you, he is such a clever for us.”