Rotherham United manager Paul Warne has always been one to bang the drum about how everyone in the squad will play their part throughout the campaign and it has proven to be the case again so far this season.
The Millers have players vying for places in almost every position and have strong competition right across the pitch.
This is something which Kieran Sadlier believes will be crucial to the team’s success this season and believes it can only improve performances.
“You never know who is going to play each week, it is a good thing because it keeps you on your toes all the time and means you have to bang at it in training and in games to keep your shirt,” Sadlier told www.themillers.co.uk.
“Competition for places is healthy and in my position we have some great players all vying for a place in the team, which shows the strength in depth we have here.”
The 27-year-old has spent the majority of his career playing in an attacking role, but has been tasked with operating in a wing-back position so far this term.
Whilst admitting that the position is different to the one he is used to playing, Sadlier insists that it is a challenge he is relishing.
“I want to get the consistency of playing, I don’t think I’ve shown my best form yet and hopefully I can get in the side and nail down my place.
“If I can do that, I think supporters will start to see the best of me. I’d never played wing-back until this season, it is different because when you’re there you receive the ball much deeper than you would if you were on the wing.
“Of course, the team is the most important thing and if I can learn a new position which helps the team out, then it is great for me and the team as well.
“You get the ball a lot. I put 14 crosses in against Cheltenham and it does allow you to pick up pockets of space when you are attacking. I’m fit enough to get up and down the pitch, positionally it is different because obviously I have more responsibility defensively."
The Millers were in fine form heading into the most recent international break, having just picked up three wins in their last four outings.
Sadlier believes that despite this, the break was still welcomed at Roundwood, citing that it gave the players a chance to get more minutes on the training ground, ahead of a tough run of fixtures in Sky Bet League One.
“It has been good to have a break, it is a long season and having a break now will benefit us later on in the campaign.
“Obviously, it has given us a chance to get some minutes on the training pitch and work on a few things, so from that front it has also been a big plus.
“We were in good form before the break and hopefully we can continue that when we return. Portsmouth are a good side and one we expect to be right up there come the end of the season, so we know it’ll be another tough challenge.”