Rotherham United star eyeing 'next level' as he enters final months of his contract

The 25-year-old has long been linked with a move away after catching the eye with his performances for the Millers - usually to clubs at the top end of the Championship. But no suitor has met Rotherham's valuation. Despite speculation they say they recieved no firm offers in the January transfer window.

However, at the end of this season Ogbene will be free to leave on a "Bosman" transfer and after a man-of-the-match performance for the Republic of Ireland against France on Monday, his ambitions to test himself at a higher level have only been strengthened.

"I've always said I want to go to the next level," he said after the 1-0 defeat to the World Cup runners-up.

"Sometimes you don't play well and you start doubting yourself. But when I can put performances in like this, it gives me the belief that maybe I can be effective at the next level and that's my dream and so it keeps my dream alive."

The Irish and Ogbene in particular impressed on the night, yet the over-riding emotion from their best player on the night was one of disappointment with the outcome.

"We don't want to celebrate loses, it's a result-based business and that's what we're striving towards," insisted Ogbene.

"I looked in the (France) defenders' eyes and I think I could see a bit of doubt because we kept putting pressure on them with set-pieces."

Rotherham are currently embroiled in a relegation battle in the Championship which they are on course to narrowly win. They are four points above the relegation zone with a game in hand to play against Cardiff City, the team between them and the bottom three.

The Millers' final nine games look set to be Ogbene's last for them.