Neil Redfearn delighted as new-look pairing stand firm at back for Rotherham United

He feels they are already laying the foundations for a successful centre-back partnership after just two games together.

Strikers Danny Ward and Matt Derbyshire may have earned the plaudits after netting in the impressive 2-0 win over Brighton, but Redfearn felt the performances of his two central defenders, allied to that of midfielders Paul Green and Richie Smallwood in the spine of the side were also pivotal.

Former Glasgow Rangers defender Broadfoot has been in outstanding form for several months for the Millers, with Tunisian international Belaid having looked solid in his first two outings in English football.

Redfearn said: “Kirk has been that consistent recently that you take that sort of (Brighton) performance for granted.

“He is a top performer and an experienced guy who has played right at the height of his profession and a real influence on other people. He has fulfilled the captaincy role perfectly as he’s a natural leader.

“He and Belaid looked strong. Belaid has done great and you wouldn’t think he has been playing in a different style and standard of football. He has come into a tough division and taken to it straightaway.”

Another manager to salute his side’s back-four solidity – yet again – was Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka, whose side have not conceded a goal for an amazing 13 hours and 37 minutes after a 1-0 win at Brentford.

It was Boro’s record ninth league clean sheet, something only previously achieved at this level by Leeds in 1928 and Chelsea in 1905.

Karanka is set to sign Athletic Bilbao striker Kike Sola, 29, on loan for the rest of the season.