KENNY Jackett has hailed Paul Robinson after the skipper’s goal secured Millwall promotion to the Championship.

Robinson fired home the only goal against Swindon in today’s play-off final against Swindon and his manager was delighted with his contribution afterwards, especially after he only played a minor role in last season’s final defeat against Scunthorpe.

Jackett said: “He was a substitute this time last year and missed the whole of the second half of the season.

“It was a big loss for us, not just as a player but as a character.

“He has come back really strong this year.

“I’ve got to say he has had a terrific year and I’ve been really pleased with him.

“His performances have been really strong.

“He has been loyal to Millwall and has done very well for Millwall.

“In terms of his character and personality, he is a leader.”

It seems a long time now since Jackett succeeded Willie Donachie in 2007 with the Lions struggling at the wrong end of the table.

But it was last year’s 3-2 defeat against Scunthorpe which proved the real motivator today, according to the boss.

He explained: “When we took over we were fourth from bottom.

“We got through that year and stayed up and then last year we finished fifth and lost in the play-off final, so we’ve made good progress and yet it felt so disappointing on the last game last year.

“I used that anger and tried to build on the good work we had done and made sure all the hard work we had done wasn’t just thrown away because we hadn’t quite made it.

“All of those things were said by myself at the end of the game last year and I’m pleased to say that the players have seen it through.

“I thought in the first half we played very well and deserved to be ahead and could have been further ahead if we had capitalised on some good situations.

“Swindon came back strongly in the second half and for a little while we couldn’t get hold of them.”