Ajayi nominated for League One Player of the Month award

His inclusion is reward for a  run of strong performances at the heart of the back four.

Tall and athletic, the 24-year-old has eradicated the costly errors which once blighted his game. His pace, awareness and distribution were pivotal to a defence which conceded just twice in January.

Millers chief Paul Warne, who brought Ajayi to the club, said: "There can't be many centre-halves who are better than Semi Ajayi in the division. He has come on leaps and bounds."

Ajayi is up against Gillingham striker Tom Eaves, Blackburn forward Danny Graham and Northampton midfielder John-Joe O'Toole for the award.

The winner will be announced on Friday.