Zavon Hines is positive he made the right step by dropping down to League Two.

Positive is the buzz word in the winger’s vocabulary, especially when he talks about City boss Phil Parkinson.

“He’s a very positive manager compared to others that I’ve had in the past,” said the former graduate of West Ham’s famed academy.

“He encourages all the players to be positive in what they are trying to do and forget about the negatives. If you do something wrong, don’t let that put you off.

“He keeps on encouraging you to do the best for yourself and the team. I’ve not been here long but he’s already instilled a bit more confidence in me to take players on and create chances for my team-mates.”

Excuse the pun but Hines really is full of beans about his move to Valley Parade . Some former Premier League performers would baulk at fourth-level football but the 23-year-old just loves to play the game.

Hines added: “It’s the best feeling in the world to play games, especially if you’re someone like me that loves football. I just want to play every day.

“For me, personally it’s a blessing to be playing at a professional level full stop.

“If I’m completely honest, there was a little thought in the back of my mind about playing in the lower leagues. But since being here – and getting to know the manager – that convinced me it was right.

“He’s very assured in what he wants to do and how he wants the team to play.

“I think if a manager has a certain style of play that you can adapt to, it doesn’t matter what level you are at. You’re going to enjoy playing no matter what.”

Parkinson, who could give Hines his fourth start at Rotherham’s New York Stadium, admits the former England under-21 international needs a lot of moulding. But all the exciting raw materials are there as City fans have quickly seen.

After a frustrating season with Burnley, which he finished on loan at Bournemouth, Hines can see his career going forward again.

“As soon as I started training here, I realised what a good team this is and knew we could go for bigger things in this league. From the games we have played so far, even when we lost at Gillingham but didn’t deserve to, I think we will do a lot this season.

“It’s not been hard for me to come in because I kept fit in pre-season using a personal trainer. So I wasn’t struggling as much as some might think.

“Obviously I’m not fully match-fit yet but I still feel good enough to play a large percentage of games.”

Hines, a good mate of Kyel Reid from their Upton Park days, insists they are different types of wingers.

“He’s more of a running guy but I’m an intelligent player.”

And that football brain will be needed to avoid some of the big boots he can expect from more limited League Two markers.

Hines said: “I think I’m too clever for them. You’ve got to use your brain and know what type of defender you’re playing against.

“You’ve got to be sensible and look after yourself when they are trying to kick you.”