Rival boss joins the fan club of Rotherham United's Viktor Johansson

Viktor Johansson in action at Southampton for Rotherham United in the Championship. Picture: Viktor Johansson

OPPOSITION manager Russell Martin saluted the performance of Rotherham United goalkeeper Viktor Johansson after the Millers had held his Southampton side to a 1-1 draw yesterday.

The Swedish shot-stopper kept his side in the Championship contest with a series of saves when the Saints, one of the favourites for promotion after last term's Premier League relegation, were threatening to run riot at St Mary's Stadium.

Matt Taylor's men hit back to score a second-half equaliser and earn their first point on the road this season.

“Their goalkeeper's made a couple of really brilliant saves,” said Martin who also acknowledged the quality of Rotherham's goal.

Substitute Jordan Hugill, on for record signing Sam Nombe, levelled with a quick-thinking volley from 25 yards and the Southampton manager said: “It’s a great finish.”

Among man-of-the-match Johansson's ten stops were stunning ones to deny Kamaldeen Sulemara, Che Adams and Will Smallbone.

Martin was less complimentary about the performance of the Millers who fought back after conceding an early goal when Stuart Armstrong steered the ball in from close range.

“Anyone who came will have seen we deserved to win," he said. “We have paid for a lack of ruthlessness.

“Their biggest threat was goal-kicks. It was the only time they could get all their players up the field. When Hugill came on they did it a lot better.

“We should have had it nailed. It's not even a contest for long periods, and I can come out and say that confidently.

“We should have been out of sight before Rotherham scored. It’s really frustrating.”