Preston new boy Sepp not happy with losing start but is ready to take on challenge of the Championship

The 19-year-old defender joined PNE on deadline day from Liverpool, moving on loan as part of the deal which took Ben Davies to Anfield.

Van den Berg started on the bench in the 2-1 defeat to the Millers, joining the action when replacing Paul Huntington in the 72nd minute.

North End has to chase the game from inside the first 20 seconds when Rotherham went in front through a Joe Rafferty own goal.

Ben Wiles doubled the lead early in the second half from Lewis Wing’s cross.

Ched Evans pulled one back for PNE and it was not long after that when Alex Neil summoned van den Berg for duty from the bench.

The teenager said: “It was good to come on for my debut although it was hard to make a big difference at the time in the second half I got on.

“Hopefully there will be the chance to get more minutes to play and get experience as the weeks go on.

“It was disappointing to lose the game, especially with how we conceded the goals.

“Conceding so early made it difficult.

“Before the game we had talked about not conceding early because Rotherham would sit back and defend their box. That is what they ended up doing.

“We created some good chances, there was the free-kick which hit the post.”

Van den Berg arrived at North End with only limited game time at Liverpool under his belt.

Last season, he played in three Carabao Cup games and an FA Cup tie.

Opportunities have been harder to come by this campaign, with just a couple of run-outs in the EFL Trophy for Liverpool’s Under-21s.

“This is an important move for me,” said the Dutchman.

“Everyone has been really welcoming since I arrived, it’s given me a good feeling about the club.

“I know that playing in the Championship is going to be tougher and different to what I’ve experienced so far.

“The training last week was really intense and physical, I’ve had to adapt to that but it’s been good.

“As I train and play more I will get to learn new things.

“Building relationships on the pitch with the other players will be important.

“I’ve only been here for a few days so I’m still getting used to everything.

“We’ve got to get over this defeat and get ready to play in the next game against Blackburn. Now that I’ve made my debut I want to push on and do well.”