Why Everton performance gives Rotherham United belief in bid to beat the drop, says Matt Olosunde

The Millers gave the Premier League side a fright in the third-round tie at the weekend, with Olosunde's first senior goal sending the tie to extra-time.

Everton won it in the additional period, but Paul Warne's men took heart from the game.

Now attention turns to the Championship, where the Millers are in the mire at the bottom of the league.

They have been accused of paying side's too much respect, but Olosunde says the performance against the Toffees shows they have no need to be scared.

“As a team, we know we can compete,” he said.

“We know what we can do when we're all 'at it', when we're on the front foot, pressing and playing forward.

“Hopefully we can continue with that mentality and take a bit of this game into the next one. “This definitely gives us belief that we can compete against teams in the Championship.

“It shows we should never give teams too much respect because we're good ourselves. We're a good team.”

Although the trip to Goodison Park ended in defeat it was a day Olosunde will always remember as he scored for the first time.

“It was a great game to score my first goal in,” he said. I'm happy with that.

“I ran inside and the ball took a bit of deflection as Smudge played it. I just kept going and went for it. I thought, 'I might as well just shoot. There's no reason not to'.

“I turned round, looked up and it's in the bottom corner. It means a lot. I wish there were fans here to celebrate with and enjoy the moment with. At this stadium, against Everton ... it's a great feeling.”

The Millers return to league action for just the second time since December 16 when they visit Derby on Saturday.

Warne's men saw two league games postponed because of a coronavirus outbreak in his squad, then had a clash called off because of snow before being in FA Cup action last week.

The match at Pride Park will also be Derby's first game back after also going down with the virus.