In the football world, Meredith is the archetypal Aussie battler.

In the decade following the beginning of his professional career at Derby County, reserve-grade Championship football was the highest he ever got. 

He left Derby after two unsuccessful loan spells without playing a match, before a move to Ireland with Sligo Rovers pushed him further away from the spotlight. At one stage, after failing to cement a spot at Shrewsbury, he was on loan to sixth division club Telford United. 

Look at him now. 

"It's really good to be back, I had a two-year absence and it's nice to have a fresh start and a new opportunity," Meredith told AAP.

"I thought I was a chance because I am playing regular Championship football.

"Mas Luongo, Bailey Wright and Mile Jedinak are all doing the same and are a big part of this squad.

"But I am really grateful (van Marwijk) has given me this opportunity.

"I'll try to do what I always do and that is to work hard, be focused and professional and offer everything I can to the new staff."

Working hard should be no problem. After carving out a reputation as hardy yet aggressive fullback in League One, Meredith earned his chance at the Championship with Millwall. 

He's now played a remarkable 1,956 minutes out of a possible 1,970 over his last 22 games. The 29-year-old has been a key factor in Millwall's unexpected comfortable season under Neill Harris, and perhaps most surprisingly, he's outshone Socceroos legend Tim Cahill.

Not that Meredith's discounting Cahill's effect, of course.

"He brings such a positive vibe," he said.

"When he came back to the club, we were in the bottom five, but doing well, we just weren't putting away our chances.

"He said to me, 'we're not going to lose, we can't be beat' I thought 'that's a bit strong, there's a lot of good teams in this league.'

"But he's not been wrong, we've gone from strength to strength. He has that belief and that foresight."

Millwall now sit 10th in one of the toughest leagues in world football. His Irish Premier League days long gone, some brevity is in order.

"Things have changed. Team spirit has gone up," Meredith concludes. 

"After every game we are sitting there smiling and laughing at each other because everyone thought we'd be battling relegation."