Michael Smith talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United forward Michael Smith insists he and his teammates are reflecting on the opening to the 2018/19 campaign believing that they could have more points on the board.
Whilst the Wallsend-born attacker admits that the Millers have made a commendable start to life in the second tier, he is of the opinion that the hungry group assembled by boss Paul Warne would like to have enjoyed an even more prosperous opening to the new season.
“You look at the games we've had and we're looking back thinking that we could have taken more points from some of them,” he told www.themillers.co.uk
“I think as footballers and the kind of lads we have in the dressing room, we're not disappointed, but we're wondering what could have been.
“We could have been much higher up in the table at this point but at the same time we're going along nicely at the minute.
“The gaffer has put that type of group together. Everyone wants to do better, everyone wants to progress and I think with nearly a third of the season gone already we have to keep looking up for the rest of the season.”
The tireless style adopted by Warne’s men over the last couple of years has taken its toll on an injury-stricken squad and the 26-year-old, who has been playing with a groin problem, continued to add that the international break will give everyone a chance to recoup ahead another block of fixtures.
“We'll get a few down days. The groin injury that I've got is just inflammation so it's nothing too bad, but the break gives it a bit of time to settle down,” Smith added.
“We haven't spoken out loud about points targets in meetings. A few of the lads are looking at it like that and that's certainly how I do it in my head and I always have. Whether its goals or getting minutes on the pitch I've always set little targets and I'll keep doing that.
“I think we're trying to put the season into blocks in between the international breaks. When we get back to it we'll look at the next series of games and try and put as many points on the board as we can.”
Smith concluded by evaluating his own start to the new campaign, explaining that he knows that he will have to remain in fine form to fend off the advances of Kyle Vassell and Jamie Proctor, who are breathing down his neck for a place in the starting 11.
“I would have liked a few more goals but I've enjoyed it,” he added.
“It's great playing at some of the clubs and stadiums in this league and they're places that I've always wanted to play at. To test yourself against Championship defenders, who have been there and done it is great.
“With Procs and Vass vying for a place you have to be on your game every week, even in training. That competition is something that I relish and helps to get the best out of all of us.
“I'm enjoying it and you really do look forward to the games coming around. We've always enjoyed it but it's a nice added bonus coming up against some of the country's most historic clubs.”