The young Magpies travel to the New York Stadium to face the Millers, managed by Alex Bruce, requiring a minimum of two points to seal automatic qualification into the competition's knockout stages for the first time since 2018/19.

Johnson, who made his first team debut for Matthias Jaissle's side during August's pre-season friendly away at Valencia, believes the squad are "in a good place" ahead of facing the League Two outfit, winners of the competition in 2022.

The 18-year-old defender, who joined Newcastle's Academy at Under-10 level, told newcastleunited.com: "It's a big game - there's no shying away from that.

"We're aware we haven't progressed from the group stage of this competition for a while and we want to establish ourselves as a successful group. Getting into the next stage would bring some attention to us and that's what we work hard for.

"Momentum will help us but it's also important that we get the balance, realising it's a big game and it will bring challenges. At the same time, no one is asking us to do nothing we haven't done before so we'll remain level-headed, work hard, and do what we have been doing to win football games recently.

"You want to go right to the very end of every competition and play in the big games where the eyes are on you. As an individual, I think I perform better when there's more attention towards a game because I realise the opportunity.

"We trust and back ourselves as a group, knowing we can go up against anyone. As long as we compete and do what we're good at, we can get a result."

Newcastle's youngsters kicked off their EFL Trophy campaign with a 3-1 comeback win away at York City in Septemer before suffering a narrow 2-1 loss against League One side Bradford City despite leading at half-time against this season's Carabao Cup quarter-finalists.

Johnson, who signed his first professional contract with the Magpies last summer, believes the young team's involvement in the competition has proved worthwhile

"The benefits we'll get from those games is we've experienced that and know what type of game it's going to be. We've played against York and Bradford and I think we're becoming more accustomed to how we deal with men's teams, managing the game, and how you need to compete.

"From the two previous two games, that's the biggest learning curve we've gained but knowing we can play against bigger and older teams.

"After the Sunderland game, that gives us a benefit through momentum. We came away from a big game, one of the biggest for us this season and the fans, and it shows if you can perform in those matches, you can do it in the upcoming ones.

"The lads have gained a lot of experience from the previous EFL Trophy games and nothing will change going into the game against Rotherham."

Johnson, who hails from Newbottle, has started all of the young Magpies' competitive fixtures so far this term, scoring his first goal at Under-21 level during a 4-1 home win against Luton Town in the Premier League Cup.

The versatile teenager, who made his second-string debut in March 2026, has relished the opening stages of the current campaign and remains fully focussed on progressing further in his fledgling career.

"It's been brilliant," Johnson explained. "I couldn't ask for much more opportunities. My expectations changed from the start of the season, telling myself I need to be in this team.

"I've been with the first-team in pre-season and played almost every minute with the Under-21s. I'm striving to get better every week and I'm never content with where I'm at because I always want to improve from the previous game and training session.

"To get to the very top, you cannot switch off. I'm really pleased with where I am at the minute and I'm glad Robbie [Stockdale] and the head coach [Matthias Jaissle] have trusted me.

"As long as I'm on the pitch, I'm happy with wherever I'm playing. In my head, I believe in myself to the max and I'm number one at any position. That's just what gets me going. I'm in this game to show I can get to where I want to be.

"That takes time, it doesn't happen overnight, and playing multiple positions will help. I'm thankful that I'm getting the opportunity to build."

Get your tickets

Supporters can purchase tickets for Tuesday night's Jersey Mike's Trophy clash against Rotherham United here.

This link will be available right up to kick-off and provide supporters with digital or print at home tickets.

Any supporters who require wheelchair platform seating or carer tickets, please contact Rotherham directly for assistance.