Semi Ajayi talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Defender Semi Ajayi’s reintroduction to the Rotherham United starting 11 has strongly coincided with the Millers toughening up their rearguard in recent weeks and his inclusion has helped them to four wins from five festive fixtures, but his exploits in front of goal have also been a key factor in his side’s success at the other end.
The towering 24-year-old has been a constant target for the likes of Anthony Forde and Ryan Williams to supply the ammunition to in the opposition 18 yard box and his predatory instincts saw him almost lay claim to a goal against MK Dons, before he was eventually rewarded by etching his name onto the scoresheet in the away clash with Walsall.
Millers boss Paul Warne has seen such promise in Ajayi’s in the ability in the final third that he utilised him as an auxiliary forward in the latter stages of the game against Blackburn Rovers and the former Cardiff City man has been pleased with his recent performances.
“First and foremost my job is to keep the ball out of the back of our net but it's always a bonus if you can score goals as well and add that to your game,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“If it helps the team pick up points and it keeps us winning and I'm playing and we're picking up points then scoring as well is great.
“I'll try to keep attacking the ball and keep getting myself in the positions to score and if the ball keeps falling to me I'll happily put them away.”
Ajayi continued to explain that the recent run of good form has raised confidence within the Millers camp, whilst he feels that he is returning to the top of his game on a personal level.
“Spirits are really high and the confidence is definitely there in the group,” he added.
“Even when we went one down against Blackburn I always felt that we were going to come back into the game and I had so much belief in the boys to pull it back.
“We managed to do that and it's good that we've been picking up points from losing positions as well because that's key and it shows the character we have in the dressing room.
“It's testament to the Gaffer giving me my chance and putting me in for a run of games. I've built my confidence back up and I'm playing at the levels I know I can play at. “