Rotherham United midfielder Hakeem Odoffin’s clear message to any new Millers signings in January transfer window..

Roll up your sleeves, be stubborn, and, above all, have a good attitude.

For the second season in a row – and the umpteenth time at Championship level – the Millers are in a survival battle and cannot carry any passengers if they are to keep their second-tier status.

If they manage to escape the bottom three, players like Hakeem Odoffin will have played a role.

The Londoner has demonstrated his ability in both midfield and central defence. His Rotherham career may have begun slowly, but he possesses all of the attributes of players who have previously performed admirably for the club at this level.

In a typically difficult January transfer window, Millers manager Leam Richardson must find similar treasures.

It’s tough, but not impossible, for Richardson to find the type of player and person he desires after loanees Dexter Lembikisa and Fred Onyedinma left.

Odoffin stated: “That is football, the January transfer window, and something you anticipate to happen.

“We welcome everybody who comes in with open arms as long as they are prepared to work and fight for the team; we want positive people who will fight for the cause because we are in a position to battle.

“Quality must also include that.

“All I know is that if my name is on the teamsheet, I am going to put my best foot forward and put myself in a position where I can help the team and hopefully get results from there.”

The Millers, who are eight points adrift of safety, now face a difficult run of games against promotion contenders.

First up, Richardson’s team go north to face a play-off-chasing Middlesbrough side, whom they defeated on Boxing Day.

They begin February with a home game against an in-form Southampton team before visiting another top-two contender, Leeds United, the following weekend back-to-back home games against top-six contenders Hull City and Watford follow before a difficult midweek trip to Ipswich Town.

The schedule appears difficult, but the Millers have taken points from a number of those clubs.

While their away record remains terrible, there is some historical hope as they prepare to visit the Riverside on Saturday.

The Millers are unbeaten in their past three travels to Teesside and have yet to allow a goal.

It will not, however, prevent people from writing them off at the start of a tough race.

Odoffin, who scored the winner in the Millers’ safety-clinching win against Boro last May, added: “We don’t expect anyone to give us any favors and will have to take what we want (for ourselves) with a specific approach. But that’s cool; I’m up for it.

“It’s what it is.” We have no influence over the outside world and can only do so much. It is on us, and we must accept that duty. I’m convinced that we can do it.”