Written off by many pundits as wooden-spoon candidates - let alone relegation contenders - before a ball was kicked, the Millers' total of 22 points from 17 matches in 2022-23 has made a few critics eat their words.

But do not expect complacency to now enter into the equation. Perish the thought.

When it comes to one set of second-tier numbers, Rotherham do prop up one unofficial table. In terms of the 'second-half table' of matches, they are ranked 24th, whereas in the first half of games, they reside in eighth place of the 'first half table.'

Matt Taylor. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.

On what the numbers may indicate, manager Matt Taylor, whose side produced a below-par weekend performance at Cardiff, said: "It tells you the physical capabilities of the group and the fact that we get weaker as the game goes on.

"It (also) tells you we might not be able to impact it as much from the bench as we'd like.

"But I love them to bits because they give everything and you look at them at the end of the game and they are out on their feet.

"They cannot give anymore. We have to find a way of improving the 'inner game', to help that physical output."

Taylor is confident that Chiedozie Ogbene and Peter Kioso will play some part in Wednesday's tough Championship game at high-flying Burnley.Republic of Ireland international Ogbene, who started the season in scintillating fashion, has been out for the past two and a half weeks with a hamstring problem.

Ogbene returned to training on Monday alongside Kioso, with the summer recruit having been sidelined with an ankle issue for the last three weeks.

The former Luton Town player picked up the problem in his comeback game for the Millers reserves after being stymied by a separate groin issue.

Meanwhile, Shane Ferguson is also back in contention for the trip to Turf Moor, where Rotherham’s last victory arrived almost 20 years ago.

Tolaji Bola (quad) is unavailable.

Why one set of worrying Championship numbers does not add up for Rotherham United