Millwall boss gives his verdict on teenager’s first Championship start

Millwall manager Gary Rowett was pleased with Billy Mitchell’s performance after the 19-year-old made his first Championship start in yesterday’s win at Hull City.

Midfielder Mitchell played at right wing-back with Mahlon Romeo missing out due to a groin niggle.

Mitchell – a Lions fan growing up – had a chance to score in the first half but sent his shot over the crossbar.

“What we’re doing with that position is utilise Billy’s energy,” said Rowett.

“We’re not suggesting that he’s going to start playing it with the same kind of quality as perhaps Fergie or getting forward with the same athleticism as Mahlon.

“But he wants to keep going and going. He linked up really well once or twice, he arrived pretty well in the box…the lads are giving him a bit of stick about his finish. He got a little bit excited.

“Overall he did really, really well. We only changed him late on because we felt a little more size in the team and little more experience in those areas just to make sure Hull couldn’t get back into the game.”