Steve Evans hails Rotherham United desire

Rotherham United manager Steve Evans has heaped praise upon his side's "desire, fight and hunger" following their promotion to the Championship this afternoon.

Rotherham booked their place in the second tier of English football at the expense of Leyton Orient courtesy of a 4-3 win on penalties having come from 2-0 down in normal time.

The equalising goal was a fine strike from Alex Revell that sent Evans sprinting down the touchline in celebration, and the former Crawley Town boss was delighted with his side's ability to overcome the odds once again.

"If we'd been two goals clear on 90 minutes I'd have jumped in with the crowd. It was partially relief, partially celebrating a stunning goal and partially knowing we were back in the cup tie," Evans told reporters.

"All season, the boys have continued to fight in adversity. At half-time my assistant manager said the players were going to need me to dig them out of the trenches and put them top of the mountain.

"I just spoke to them about what it means to them, to the mums, dads, children and when you're a granddad and what it would mean when you're looking back. You have to have the desire, fight and hunger."

Rotherham's promotion to the Championship ends a 32-year absence from English football's second tier.