George Long’s absence for Millwall explained – as Lions chief discusses goalkeeper situation ahead of Blades in FA Cup

George Long is set to be available for Millwall’s FA Cup tie against Sheffield United tomorrow after missing Saturday’s 3-0 win over Rotherham due to the birth of his child.

Bartosz Bialkowski stepped in to face the Millers with Connal Trueman promoted to the bench. It was his first appearance since the 2-0 loss to QPR on September 14.

“Longy and his partner have had a baby,” Lions boss Gary Rowett told the South London Press. “We were hoping they could hang on for another few days, because then we had two weeks before our next league game, but his partner went into labour. Thankfully everything is alright with the baby, it was born healthily.

“There is that famous Roy Keane quote – that he isn’t having the baby, so why is he unavailable? I get that statement, but my theory has always been the same – it is not something you want to miss. It doesn’t come along very often and when you’re old and grey you will be grateful that you prioritised that over playing one match of football.

“Sometimes things happen and for someone like Bart, who is such a popular member of the group – with fans, staff and players – it gave him a chance to get back into the team and play. That can only be seen as a good thing.

“He could possibly have another opportunity to do that at the weekend. He is a certainly a player that means it is the least position I would be panicking over with an injury or someone unavailable, because he has been so good for us for so long.

“Bart would definitely have started [against Sheffield United] had George have played the previous game. We’ll have to discuss it internally as staff this morning. It’s potentially likely that Bart might stay in goal for another game and then I’ve got a decision to make. It’s always hard when a player hasn’t come out of the team for form or any other reason than an important family event.

“It will be a difficult decision but one we assess over the next week or so and see where we are.”