Michael Smith talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United striker Michael Smith says no opponent will be underestimated as he and his Millers teammates enter “crunch time” in the 2017/18 Sky Bet League One campaign.
The forward, who signed at AESSEAL New York Stadium in January, has been a mainstay in the Millers attack since his arrival helping himself to five goals in the process, but has reiterated that their position in the third tier Play-offs is not yet assured.
“People say its crunch time at the end of the season and anything can happen, especially at the top end of the table,” Smith told www.themillers.co.uk.
“We have to focus on ourselves and we've still got ourselves a bit of a cushion in the Play-offs but nobody is taking that for granted and we know the job we've got to do.
“We have to give Fleetwood the utmost respect and just go into the game positive.
“I think you have to step up against anyone in this league. On their day anyone can beat anyone as proven in the last few weeks.”
The 26-year-old continued to explain that the mood in camp remains upbeat, despite the recent defeat at Charlton Athletic on Easter Monday, while admitting that the Millers had gained confidence from the unbeaten run that propelled them up the League One table earlier this year.
“We couldn't see where the next loss was going to come from and all of a sudden we lost the MK Dons game and so on,” Smith continued.
“I think if you look at the grand scheme of things, I know its four losses but we've still only lost a few in a lot of games. I think everyone is still confident and riding high and believing that we can get a result this weekend.”
The striker continued to express that he has enjoyed his time so far in South Yorkshire, having struggled to hit top form earlier in the season with Bury and was quick to praise the contribution of the coaching staff and his teammates with the Millers.
“I have really enjoyed it and the Gaffer, Richie, Hammy, Polly and the rest of the staff have been spot on with me,” Smith added.
“All the lads have been the same and I couldn't have asked for a better group to walk into.
“I've been in the game long enough to know that having a good changing room helps and we've certainly got that here.
“I think it helps that the Gaffer and Richie have been strikers themselves and they know the game. I sit down and watch my clips with them and I take on their advice and experience.”