David Artell believes that Rotherham United have all the credentials to be promotion contenders this season.

The Millers were relegated from the Championship last season and have been backed as many people’s favourites for a return to the second tier of the game.

The Rotherham-born Artell says that his friend in the game, Paul Warne has established a competitive squad and he knows it is going to be a tough encounter at the New York Stadium this weekend.

Artell told the club’s official website: “I saw Rotherham recently at Lincoln and they were really impressive. They are big and strong and you can see why they will be contenders in this league. Paul is a very good manager and a good guy. I would think they will be there or thereabouts.

He added: “They are athletic and full of energy. They have two big lads up front and they ask you questions. They play football and have their strengths and weaknesses. It is up to us and our players to expose those weaknesses.”