REFLECTING on his maiden strike in Rotherham United colours, Paul Mullin quickly remembered his senior role in the club’s dressing room.

Goals pay the rent and Mullin has provided his fair share in golden spells with Wrexham and Cambridge United, especially in League Two circles.

The 31-year-old has been in the game long enough to know he will be judged on his goals output this term.

Equally, at this stage of his career and in his role as on-pitch leader of a new-look Millers side, he is keen to dispense praise in the direction of others where it is appropriate.

Rotherham United's Fabio Tavares celebrates his opening goal against Chesterfield. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

placeholder image — Rotherham United's Fabio Tavares celebrates his opening goal against Chesterfield. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

Mullin, who struck a 90th-minute winner against Chesterfield after coming on as a 64th-minute substitute – Fabio Tavares had scored the hosts’ opener early on - said: "I'm aware sometimes there's a bit of struggle with the fans and a bit of an unsettled feeling (before) but we've got a real young group who are going to need all their support.

"Us older lads are going to have to carry them through the season, but hopefully, like the (winning) goal, Ar'Jany (Martha) comes off the pitch—just after me - and that goal comes from him.

"If he doesn't go and press after that ball late in the game to get us up the pitch, we don't force them into mistakes."

His match-winning strike served as a morale-boost for Millers supporters, who had previously seen their side win just twice on home soil since last November.

Rotherham United chief Allex Bruce makes his point against Chesterfield. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

Mullin continued: "I think I'd have preferred an overhead kick, but apart from that.... There's no better way to score a goal as a centre-forward, the winning goal and to score it so late in the game, especially after going behind. It means so much to us.

"We've worked so hard. We work every single day like dogs to go out and give a performance. I think the fans have already seen that this team is willing to fight for them and we represent them.

"As players, we have to reflect the community we play for on the pitch. I think we've seen that in the other games. You're never down-and-out in anything in life, especially in football. I think this can give everybody a boost."

Head coach Alex Bruce remains hopeful of doing business on two fronts before Tuesday's deadline to complete his summer recruitment, despite missing out on Blackpool striker Kylian Kouassi, set to join Colchester.

He added: "There are a few irons in the fire, so we'll see what happens over the next couple of days."