MARK Hudson has revealed a kick up the backside from Millers' boss Mark Robins has done him the world of good.
The former Middlesbrough midfielder was dropped by Robins following the club's 2-2 draw with Rochdale.
Having played eight matches on the spin, the 27-year-old then only featured for a combined 14 minutes as a late substitute in the 1-0 defeat to Luton Town and a 1-1 draw away to Dagenham and Redbridge.
But the Bishop Auckland-born playmaker made a welcome return to the fold last weekend, scoring in the 4-1 win against Grimsby, as well as netting in Wednesday's 4-2 triumph against Yorkshire rivals Leeds United in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy second round.
Hudson said: "I played the first eight games, then the manager left me out. I was really disappointed. I think it was to give a kick up the backside.
"I have come back the last couple of games and got man of the match last week. I have come back stronger from it."
Hudson has played for Chesterfield, Carlisle and Huddersfield, but he even he has been astounded how well the Millers have coped with overcoming their 17-point deduction this term.
He said: "We are really confident at the minute, and we could have one eye on the play-offs.
"The season starts now for us. I know that we have had cup results, but in the league we have got our points back now. We are plus one, and we have got to kick on and catch the other teams.
"We have won five out of nine league games, and we have only lost one out of all competitions. That was in the 93rd minute at Chesterfield.
"We are not getting carried away with ourselves because the most important thing is to be safe from relegation.
"But the way we have started, you just never know. We have got to keep looking behind us, obviously. But with the start we have had, we can afford to look up.
"Winning games is a good habit. We have been doing that, so hopefully it will continue."
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