Millwall boss heaps praise on returning midfielder after victory at Cardiff City

BY ALEX GRACE

Gary Rowett was keen to heap praise on the returning Ryan Leonard after the midfielder’s second-half cameo in the 1-0 win at Cardiff City.

Leonard replaced Mason Bennett in the 63rd minute at the Cardiff City Stadium, helping the Lions see out the victory and secure their fourth away win of the Championship season.

Rowett’s side picked up all three points thanks to Tom Bradshaw’s 26th-minute strike.

“He’s a top, top player, said Rowett of Leonard.

“[He can play] right-sided centre-back, right wing-back, midfield. He’s got energy, legs, and he covers the ground so quickly.

“You saw it today when he came on, he had a huge impact for us. He’s one that we’ve held back because we’re desperate to keep him fit and he’s desperate to stay fit.

“He’s been really, really unlucky and he just needs a little bit of a break, Lenny.

“[We need him] to get through the next three or four weeks and try to stay fit until the end of the season, because he’s a huge player for us.”

Murray Wallace missed out on the victory in south Wales, with Callum Styles filling in at left-back.

“He had a cut on the top of his foot, which I think got infected, so he was unavailable,” said Rowett of Wallace.

“He tried to get out there yesterday, but he couldn’t – it’s just another example of how thin our squad is.

“You can only applaud the players out there for giving everything they’ve got and going and getting another big result.

“Cardiff have drawn five out of their last six games, so they’re not an easy side to beat, regardless of the position that they’re in. That’s a big three points for us today.”