RETURNING striker Adam Rooney knows the hard work is only just beginning for him after scoring Town’s equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Crawley.

The Irishman hadn’t played a minute of football since the home defeat to Brentford on November 20, but after replacing James Collins at the Broadfield Stadium he stepped up to drill home the penalty he won himself after being pushed to the floor by Joe Welsh.

But Rooney isn’t getting carried away, and despite being pleased to get some game-time he knows he needs to keep working hard in training to earn a regular place in the side.

“It is good to get on again as I had been eager for a chance and had been working hard in training, and thankfully it has come and I managed to get on the scoresheet to help us earn a point,” he said.

“I have had to work really hard in training, because the lads had been on a terrific run and we were unbeaten in eight or nine games, and the forwards had been banging in goals as well.

“It wasn’t nice to have to sit and watch for so long, but the team was doing well and you have to be patient.

“When you come on you want to do well and take your chance in training, and to get a goal is always good so I just need to keep working to try and get another chance.

“The main thing is to do well as a team, though.

“I don’t think I really proved a point, and I just have to keep working hard. It is a very good squad here, so any time you get on the pitch you want to do well.”

Rooney was quick to grab the ball after being felled at the start of the second half, and always felt confident of slotting home the penalty despite his long spell in the sidelines.

“I am always confident to step up and take penalties when I am on the pitch, and I think the lads were happy for me to have it and thankfully I scored,” he said.

“Unfortunately it wasn’t three points, which I think we deserved, but it is a hard place to come and we’re happy to take a point.”