Warne's high praise for Player of the Month nominee

The 24-year-old has turned in numerous impressive displays at the heart of Rotherham United’s defence and has formed a formidable partnership with experienced skipper Richard Wood.

The Millers have recorded three successive clean sheets and conceded just two goals in their last five games, leading to the former Arsenal youngster being nominated for the gong for the month of January.

And Warne has been pleased to see the former Cardiff man’s rise from his shaky early-season outings to a cool and composed member of the first team.

Warne told the Advertiser: “I look at Semi and I don’t have any fear that he will make a wrong decision.

“He’s in really good form, he trains really hard. I took him out of the team earlier in the season, and rightfully so, he’s come back and he’s first name on the team-sheet really. I think Semi is playing really well.”

The partnership Wood and Ajayi have formed has left forwards scratching their heads about how best to get round them, and with the solid form of full-back Joe Mattock and Josh Emmanuel, along with ‘keeper Marek Rodak, opponents have found the Millers a tough nut to crack.

Warne added: “Woody, beside Semi, does the ugly stuff and Semi does the pretty stuff.

“Collectively, I wouldn’t want to play against them two. If I was a centre forward against those two I don’t know which one I’d want to stand on.

“If I stood on Semi I’m not going to beat him and if I stood on Woody I’d have no head left. It’s a difficult one.”

Ajayi will find out if has won the Player of the Month award on Friday.