“He needs to score more goals in those areas” – Millwall boss sets challenge for attacker

BY ALEX GRACE

Gary Rowett was keen to praise Mason Bennett after the former Derby man came off the bench to score Millwall’s winner at Reading on Saturday.

Injuries have hampered the attacker’s progress during his time in SE16. He was surrounded by his team-mates after netting the 85th-minute winner.

Lions manager Rowett said: “Mason is a popular member of the squad. He hasn’t had as many opportunities in the last six or seven games. He needs to score more goals in those areas.

“I think it was a little bit of relief from his point of view and the other players were really pleased for him. I hope it does [boost him]. He’s a talented player. We brought him in on a free transfer and we felt he would be a really good signing for us.

“He’s only 24, he’s got pace and power. He had a really good part in the first goal as well, breaking and getting us up the pitch.”

Bennett made just 89 appearances in nine years at Derby.

“I think he’s the type of player that I’d always expect more of,” said Rowett. “He’s capable of it. It’s nice for him to come up with a goal. We saw at Bristol City that he can score different types of goals. He cut in on his right foot there and curled it into the corner. Today it’s a header. He can add more goals to his game.”