Rotherham United v Cardiff City – ‘Phenomenal’ Michael Smith leading Millers’ charge to safety

Then, in the colours of Bury, Smith – building a reputation as a journeyman striker, but little else – came on a second-half substitute in a League One fixture at the AESSEAL New York Stadium in the autumn of 2017 and marked the card of Warne. By the new year, he was a Millers player.

The affable Geordie simply has not looked back since. He is one of the form players in the Championship with six goals in his past eight matches and is spearheading the Millers’ survival bid.

He is also a player whom opposing managers increasingly name-check in discussions with Warne, who admits to being surprised no-one came in for him in the last transfer window. A pleasant surprise, nevertheless.

On the rise of Smith, likely to be restored to the starting line-up tonight after being ‘rested’ on the bench at Preston North End on Saturday, Warne said: “We do so much research into signing new players, but Smudge was none of that.

“He literally came on for Bury against us for 15 minutes and held it up on the halfway line once and ran once and ‘smoked’ Woody (Richard Wood) once and I thought: ‘Wow, anyone who can smoke Woody’ is a player to look at.

“I also hammered Woody after the game and said he’d got beaten up by a Bury sub.

“So I liked him because of his physicality and then we were trying to replace Kieffer (Moore). I remember his (Smith’s) first game at Oldham and our fans were on him and I was thinking: ‘Wow, he has only been here a day.’

“He has definitely physically changed himself. Under the tutelage of Ross (Burbeary, head of player performance), his commitment to being the best version of himself is beyond admirable.

“His career highlight is playing in the Championship for us and he can never have regret looking back on his career. He makes the best decisions on his food, drink and training.

“We played the other night and he was in the next day, squatting nearly 200 kilos. He is an absolute monster in that respect.

“The physical output he puts into games is phenomenal and just ridiculous. His distances are ridiculous and he wins virtually every header when people are trying to smack him.”

Amid a relegation battle which is dragging in an increasing amount of teams by the week, some head-turning results from the likes of the Millers and Sheffield Wednesday are drawing anxious glances from those above them.

It is ensuring that clubs positioned in mid-table such as tonight’s visitors are starting to sweat.

Warne commented: “I was really confident going into the season that if we had a good start, we could pull ourselves into the middle and after 10 games, you are in that middle slot. You might go down or up one or two, but that is where you (usually) stay.

“Unfortunately, if after that first 10 or 15 games and you are in that bottom six, that is usually where you stay. It is hard to get out of those zones.

“But if you get into a habit of losing games, it is hard to change that habit and you think: ‘Oh my God, what do you change?’ You might change the thing that is working. In the same way, if you keep winning, it is a good habit to get into. You think you are invincible.

“I do think there are a couple of teams thinking: ‘We are all right as it stands’, but then are looking at their next three or four fixtures thinking that they are not easy.

“If such as (Nottingham) Forest, Derby, Rotherham and (Sheffield) Wednesday keep picking up points every other game, then they are in trouble.

“I definitely feel there will be some teams looking over their shoulders thinking we need a win and we need it quickly.

“It is a cliche to say every game is a cup final, but that is how we have to address every game.

“I love the five-substitute rule and buzz off it and I know we can go ‘guns out’ and make changes.

“We are all dreaming of a good end to the season, but all we are doing at the moment is just giving ourselves a chance and staying around it.

“The games we have to catch up on are crucial.”

Cardiff gave Barnsley-born Mick McCarthy his first victory as Bluebirds manager with a 2-0 win at Bristol City on Saturday.

They overcame the early loss of former Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Alex Smithies with a mystery illness which saw him taken off by stretcher and he remains a doubt tonight.

There are doubts too over Wales international midfield man and recent signing from Charlton Athletic Jonny Williams, who sat out the trip across the Severn following a knock in training.

Last six games: Rotherham WDWLWW; Cardiff LLLDDW.

Referee: G Eltringham (Tyne and Wear).

Last time: Rotherham 1 Cardiff 2, September 24, 2016; Championship.

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you’ll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click HERE to subscribe.