'More pleased this week than last' ... Paul Warne reacts to Rotherham United's defeat against Millwall

The Millers lost 1-0 against Millwall, who came close to making the play-offs last term, but should have taken at least a point from the AESSEAL New York Stadium encounter.

A rare mistake by centre-half Michael Ihiekwe gifted to the visitors a 50th-minute breakthrough after strikers Freddie Ladapo and Michael Smith both missed good chances for Rotherham.

"I think it gives us real optimism for the season that we can go toe to toe with a top team in this division and feel disheartened that we couldn't get anything out of it," Warne said.

"I was pleased with how well we competed and I told the lads that. If we play like that, we can have a really good season."

The Millers opened the season with a 1-0 win at Wycombe Wanderers last week and are 15th in the table.

Warne added: "It sounds odd, but I am happier this week than last. I know it's about results. However, I thought our performance was really good. 

"On another day, we could have won it. Millwall defended our crosses really well and I think they are a top-eight side.

"The lads can take loads of confidence from the performance. In the Championship, it's about taking our chances and we didn't. 

"We had a couple in the first half and I was waiting for the net to ripple in the second half."