Derbyshire prepared to lead line alone for Millers

After a difficult first half of last season with the Millers, Derbyshire proved a revelation in the second half of it, firing nine goals to help the club achieve Championship safety.

So far this term, Derbyshire has been handed extra responsibility in an unaccustomed role on his own up front and while he has enjoyed success for most of his career alongside a fellow striker, his priority is team rather than self.

Speaking after the 0-0 draw with Preston on Tuesday night, which secured Rotherham’s first point of the campaign, Derbyshire said: “It isn’t my game to be on my own up front. But I played there against (Nottingham) Forest and we played really well.

“I’m sure the gaffer thought we could try to do that against Preston as well. We should have won the game at Forest but I’ll never grumble.

“I’ll always try my hardest and put a shift in and do what I can to try to win.”

On whether he would prefer to play alongside a striker, Derbyshire added: “That is the manager’s decision. I will never go against what the manager says.

“It is down to him what team he wants to put out and that’s it.”

While the Millers’ attacking threat was sporadic on Tuesday night, the entry of Jonson-Clarke Harris into the fray in the final 33 minutes proved a successful one – and added much-needed energy in a lively cameo.

It provided manager Steve Evans with food for thought ahead of the weekend trip to QPR, with his psychological ploy of stating ahead of the game that Clarke-Harris needed to prove himself clearly resonating with the young striker on Tuesday’s evidence.

Derbyshire admits he was impressed by the vibrant input of Clarke-Harris, who, Evans revealed earlier this week, has turned down two recent loan moves to rival clubs.

Derbyshire added: “Jonson Clarke-Harris came on and did absolutely fantastic for the team. He’s been dying to get a game and he’s done well when he has come in.

“Fair play to Jonson, he came on and made a big difference, and so did Aidy (White), getting to the byline and trying to get a few crosses in.”