Rotherham United new boy Andre Green on initiation ceremonies, fitness and scoring goals

In years past, every arrival at Rotherham United has had to stand up during an overnight away trip and perform in front of the first-team squad to earn their acceptance.

Not anymore. It was something former captain Richard Wood insisted on, but since his departure at the end of the last season all the summer new boys have got away with it.

“I think it's kind of died out,” a relieved Green said. “Don't put this in the paper, will you? If Jordan Hugill sees it, it will be revived.”

Sorry, Andre.

Green is the former Aston Villa prodigy who spent two years in Slovakia and won a league title with Slovan Bratislava before signing a two-year deal with the Millers in early August.

The attacker has been working on his conditioning and now feels ready to make his mark in the Championship as Matt Taylor's men seek to emulate last term's survival feat.

“I had no real pre-season but I'm settling in and happy to play a full match,” he said following last weekend's 1-1 draw with Preston North End at AESSEAL New York Stadium. “My fitness is getting there and I've been asking the manager to just leave me on during games so I can build it up more.”

After bagging twice in two trial outings, he has yet to hit the target in seven appearances for Rotherham and is keen to open his account.

“Getting some goals, that's my aim for the season,” said the 25-year-old who can play on either flank, down the middle or as a ‘number 10’. “I woke up this morning and I thought this was going to be the day. It was more important we got a point and I got 90 minutes. I know I've got the fitness now going into the next games.”

His next chance to score comes this Saturday at in-form Cardiff City. The Millers have been strong on their own turf but head to South Wales in search of their first points on the road.

“The home fans obviously help us massively,” he said. “It's an unbelievable atmosphere at New York and it's intimidating for visiting teams. We know we need to improve our away form.”

The forward has been around the Championship with Villa, Preston, Charlton Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday and has seen enough in his new side to believe they can stay up again.

“We're a tight-knit group,” he said. “We're going to have to rely on that a lot more than other clubs. We have everything in that changing room to stay up.”

Rotherham travel to the seventh-placed Bluebirds in 23rd spot. A result for them and a goal for Green ... now that would be something to sing about.