We must not ease off now

BY TOBY PORTER
toby@slpmedia.co.uk

Millwall boss Gary Rowett joked that he could quit now – the performance his team was that good without him in the dugout on Wednesday.

The Lions won 2-0 at Preston with captain Alex Pearce and midfielder-coach Shaun Williams in the dugout – and their five coaches watching on computers at their homes in South London.

“I’ve told them I’ve resigned and they can take over,” laughed Rowett yesterday. “They made it look a lot easier than I do!

“The lads stepped up and motivated the players so well against a very experienced manager in Alex Neil. The spirit was monumental. This is a message to everyone just how good this group is.”

Millwall sit joint third in the Championship table, level with Swansea, after eight games.

Rowett said: “We are pleased with the start. But I don’t think anyone will get carried away – but the last week has galvanised us as a squad. But there’s only five points separating us from 16th.”

Scorer Kenneth Zohore (calf) went off and looks likely to miss tomorrow’s home game against Huddersfield.

“We will probably have to rotate after a long trip back from a Wednesday game,” said Rowett. “It is not just about winning games, it is about keeping the squad healthy. Jed Wallace and Mason Bennett kept going but probably ran out of steam at the end.

“We have options up front but you have to have those to stand a chance in the Championship.”