Rotherham United midfielder Semi Ajayi said that his involvement with the Nigerian national team has helped him grow as a footballer following his outstanding recent form.

Ajayi has scored six goals in his last five games, including match-winning doubles against Blackburn and QPR to help boost the Millers' hopes of survival in the Championship, and the midfielder says that has been helped by his experiences on international duty.

Speaking to The Star about working with the Nigerian team, Ajayi said: “Spending time at training day in day out with top, top class players is going to help anyone improve, it makes me raise my game.

“I have got different voices giving me different information that I can use and bring back to my game at Rotherham, it has been really positive.”

Having originally started the season as a defender, Ajayi has now been called up for Nigeria following a switch to that position at club level, something the 24-year-old is more than happy with, revealing: "I feel very comfortable in midfield.

"I've played quite a few games there now and I'm understanding my role more and more every week.

“Richie (Barker) and the gaffer have been really good with me in terms of giving me information to fulfil the role."

The verdict

Ajayi's step into the Rotherham midfield is looking like a masterstroke right now from Paul Warne and his coaching staff. Ajayi's height means he is an asset in both penalty areas and his finishing in also coming into its own. Given how quickly he has learnt that role, Rotherham fans will be hoping he can put what he picks up from his Nigeria teammates into practice just as quickly.