Conor Newton recently spoke to Millers Matchday...
Midfielder Conor Newton has pledged to take any first-team opportunities with both hands after recent substitute cameos at Blackpool and Brentford.
The Newcastle-born player has been kicking his heels on the sidelines since making the summer switch from his hometown club but after catching the eye of Millers' chief Steve Evans following some impressive reserve team outings either side of the New Year, Newton has forced his way into Rotherham's first-team reckoning.
Speaking exclusively to Millers Matchday recently following his 30-minute appearance at Griffin Park, Newton is under no illusions of the importance of taking the opportunity when and where it arises with fierce competition for places within the Millers' engine room.
"It's always a little frustrating being on the periphery of the first-team but we brought a lot of good players here in the summer," he conceded.
"I wouldn't be human if it wasn't my aim to start more games and I want to force my way into the starting 11 and put in the kind of performances to ensure I can stay there."
Newton demonstrated his ability to dictate the tempo of midfield affairs while showing his eye for goal with a superb debut strike during the Millers' pre-season draw with Falkirk during their Scottish tour.
Despite early promise, Newton has found himself down the pecking order in the first half of the campaign with his only appearance being as a second-half substitute in the League Cup exit to Swansea City in late August and Newton concedes he has had to tailor his game to deal with the demands of English and Championship football.
"Compared to Scottish football, the standard in the Championship is better," he added.
"I've had to adapt my game as it's faster and stronger and in some ways, it can be daunting as the clubs and players are very familiar to you but we are here on merit.
"I've tried to keep myself sharp in the reserve games as you never know when an opportunity is going to come and when it does you have to take it.
"You need to keep training hard day-in, day-out and then we you get your chance on matchday, you have to show what you can do."