Will Vaulks talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Character and positivity are two traits that have returned to the fore in recent games, with versatile operator Will Vaulks stressing the Rotherham United dressing room is in a good place coming into the festive period.
The Millers host MK Dons this Saturday, before undertaking an away day double-header against Bury and Walsall before rounding off the busy Christmas schedule with a New Year's Day home game against high-flying Blackburn Rovers.
After four points from their last two games, which included a deserved equaliser with just 10 men against Plymouth last time out, Vaulks believes that the Millers are showing the required mettle following a tough run in League One.
"We showed some real character to come back which is something we have not done much in the last 18 months, so to do that in the last two games was a major positive," Vaulks stressed.
"I think that was the most important thing out of everything (during the close season). We needed some new players, but most of all we needed the positivity back around the place. We had a sticky run, but the last two games, they have been good especially being behind in both games. The positivity is there and now we have to believe that if we concede, it is not the end of the world, we can come back and get something.
"It is all positive around the place, but we know that we need to keep winning."
Vaulks has shown his versatility since joining the Millers in 2016, often called upon to fill in at right-back from his customary central midfield berth.
Following the red card issued to Richard Wood last weekend, the 24-year-old was asked to fill in alongside goalscorer Semi Ajayi in central defence, with the former Tranmere ace only too happy to move into defence.
"I have played centre-half quite a lot in my career, but it has been a few years now," he added.
"I had a feeling when Woody was sent off that may be my role. I am more than happy to play anywhere, and I quite enjoyed my little spell there to be fair."