KEMAR Roofe’s hot streak for Oxford United owes as much to hard work as it does to the forward’s talent, according to Johnny Mullins.

The forward struck a wonder goal from 45 yards on Tuesday night as Brentford were thrashed 4-0 in the Capital One Cup.

It put them into tonight’s second round draw, where they could face Premier League opposition, including Everton, Newcastle United and Aston Villa.

Roofe’s strike was his seventh goal in United’s last nine games, having finished last season superbly while on loan from West Bromwich Albion.

Mullins admits the players were stunned when the U’s won the race to sign the 22-year-old permanently in May.

The centre back, who also scored at Brentford, feels fortunate to have Roofe in the squad and thinks his dedication in training lies behind the success.

Mullins said: “Roofey’s a quality player, but the best thing I can say about him is about his work rate.

“He’s the first one out to training and the last one to finish, working on free-kicks and crossing.

“The goal (at Brentford) was just unbelievable.

  • Watch Kemar Roofe's stunning strike again, via Oxford United's official Youtube channel

“When we signed him in the summer I think, even for the players, it was one of those times where you tilted your head back and thought ‘that’s a signal of intent’.

“He’s quality and we just want to keep players like that performing well.

“If we do that then God knows where we can go.”

Roofe came off at half-time in midweek with a tight groin, but is optimistic of being available for the Sky Bet League Two trip to Luton Town on Saturday.

The substitution meant he walked past the United supporters on the way to the bench early in the second half, which proved a special moment.

He said: “It was amazing, every time I talk about the fans I get goose bumps and the feeling I get from them is crazy.

“All of them were chanting.

“The atmosphere they created helped us with our start.

“When we came out and saw what they were doing, it just gave us more motivation.”

  • Oxford United's players celebrate with the away fans at Brentford

After pulling off a shock at Griffin Park, United will be looking forward to having another chance to take a scalp in the second round.

They are unseeded for the draw, which will take place after tonight’s tie between Doncaster Rovers and Leeds United.

The U’s, who took West Bromwich Albion to a penalty shoot-out at the same stage last season, and could face one of the 12 Premier League sides not involved in European competition.