JOHN MULLIN admits the time was right to leave Burnley again in a bid to revive his career with First Division rivals Rotherham United.

But the Clarets score will continue to be the first he checks for after a match as he admitted: "I will miss the lads that are there and I wish them well.

"I sincerely mean that and I hope the club can go on even further from here. But it is definitely the right time to get back playing."

The 26-year-old ended his Turf Moor stay with a £150,000 switch to the Millers last week when he signed a three-year deal.

He was on the bench for the win at Grimsby Town on Friday night that lifted Rotherham off the foot of the table and he is expected to make his debut for Ronnie Moore's men in Friday night's home game against Portsmouth.

Mullin joined the Clarets straight from school and made over 100 League appearances for the club either side of a spell with Sunderland.

But having got no further than the bench this season, other than for a Worthington Cup start against Rushden and Diamonds, the former St Theodore's School pupil clearly saw his long-term future lying elsewhere.

"I was sorry to leave. I've always had a close affinity with the club and the supporters have always been good to me," he said. "But once the clubs had agreed a fee I think I knew it was time to move on.

"I spoke to Ronnie Moore and he seemed very positive. I was impressed with what he had to say and I thought it was time to move on and kick-start my career."

Mullin returned to Burnley from Sunderland in the summer of 1999 and was a key figure as Stan Ternent guided the Clarets to promotion from Division Two ten months later.

He made 27 starts and scored five goals that season, none more important that the double he got at Brentford three games from the end of the season as Burnley kept their promotion dream alive.

Last season though, Mullin started just 11 League games and came off the bench no fewer than 25 times. However, he still scored some vital goals, including winners against QPR and Tranmere as the Clarets just missed out on the play-offs.

Now he has swapped a promotion challenge at Turf Moor for a relegation dog-fight at Millmoor but he has no regrets.

He added: "In my first season when I came back I played quite a big part when we got promoted and I was pleased with that.

"In the last couple of years I haven't been involved as much. It was frustrating to be kicking my heels and not get a run, but that's football.

"But I still enjoyed it when I got on or whatever and it's good to have the club back up there."

So while he will be doing his best to make sure that Rotherham maintain the first division status they earned after winning back-to-back promotions he is still hoping he won't be coming back to Turf Moor to play next season - he wants to see Burnley in the Premier League!

Meanwhile Nottingham Forest, who entertain the Clarets on Saturday, were knocked out of the Worthington Cup at the Reebok Stadium last night.

Rod Wallace's early goal won the game but the the visitors missed a number of chances to level.

ROSSENDALE Clarets still have room on their coach going to Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

Anyone interested in travelling to the City Ground with them can get full details by telephoning 01706 224924.