It may be ‘job done’ in terms of securing automatic promotion, but Richie Smallwood says there is a desire among the Rovers players to stretch their unbeaten run until the end of the season.

Rovers are now without defeat in their last 14 matches and have now lost just once in 33 games.

A 27th victory of the season at Doncaster on Tuesday sealed promotion with still two games to spare, starting with the trip to Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

Smallwood won promotion from League One in 2013/14 with Rotherham via the play-offs, but marked Tuesday’s celebrations as the best moment in his career.

He said: “It’s been a massive effort and a long season.

“There are still two games to go but promotion was the aim and promotion is what we have. Job done and it’s a great achievement by everyone.

“It’s my second promotion but it rates as my best. I’ve played for my hometown club (Middlesbrough) and won promotion at Wembley, but to get automatic promotion, you don’t get promoted out of this league or any other if it isn’t deserved.

“Shrewsbury and Wigan have had brilliant seasons and although Wigan are in the driving seat for the title right now, we’ll be pushing them all the way.

It was a difficult opening to the season for Rovers who lost their opening two matches and four of their first 11.  But an extraordinary run culminated in promotion at the Keepmoat Stadium as they moved to a club record haul of 93 points.

Smallwood added: “With the start we had losing at Southend and then at home to Doncaster, we’ve kicked on.

“One defeat in 33 games is a remarkable run - I’m not sure it’s been done before - and it’s a run we don’t want to end.

“That just shows the character in the squad, in the team and the changing room.

“There is a real unity and a great feeling. That gives us an extra edge to not get beat.”

The team spirit is something that has shone through at the club this season and the 27-year-old admits in the squad everyone in the squad, and behind the scenes, deserve great credit. 

The midfielder said: “It’s been some effort. We’ve all worked hard - the staff, players, behind the scenes.

“There has been a great unity at the club which has come together and we feel that.

“We’re all really pleased to pull on the shirt every week and give 100%.

“Nights like that are the reward that everyone gets.”