ROTHERHAM United remain in regular dialogue with Jerry Yates, although Swindon Town’s on-loan striker has only one target on his mind this season – to win promotion under Richie Wellens.

The 22-year-old has received several text messages of congratulations from the Millers’ management off the back of his eight goals in 17 appearances for Town this term.

Yates has started in all 14 of Town’s League Two fixtures he has been eligible for.

And the striker’s presence in the squad is invaluable – proven by the club’s four-game winless record when the Doncaster-born talent hasn’t featured on the team sheet.

It’s unlikely Yates will play in this evening’s EFL Trophy visit to Bristol Rovers – a game that has no bearing on Swindon’s qualification hopes from the competition’s group stage after previous losses to Chelsea U21s and Plymouth Argyle.

But reflecting on his Swindon stay to date, Yates told the Adver he has loved every minute of his time under Wellens’ guidance.

He said: “There is nothing better than playing week in, week out.

“And when the team is playing as good as we are, you can’t complain. We’ve got to keep it going.

“I’d never expect to be on the starting sheet, you have to work hard day in, day out.

“Even the lads that are on the bench, or not even in the squad, push us every day. They are the players that keep us motivated and keep us playing well.

“I know that if I don’t perform, they will replace me and perform well. It’s good competition for us.

“Rotherham text me when we’re winning. They’ll congratulate me and ensure we stay in touch.

“But I’m focussed on being at Swindon for now and scoring as many goals possible. I hope it’s enough to secure the team promotion.”

Yates felt remarkably upbeat after Town’s frustrating 1-1 draw away at Cheltenham Town on Saturday in the FA Cup first round.

After netting what seemed the winning goal in injury time, Yates’ joy promptly turned into disbelief as Alex Addai netted in the final minute to force a replay.

The striker explained the pick-me-up players needed from their manager after full-time.

Yates said: “When we first went into the changing room, everyone had their head down.

“But Richie picked us up. He made us aware that we dominated the game.

“We’ve got to beat them at our place – we’re not out of it.”