“I wouldn’t hesitate to play him” – Millwall boss talks about January loan return for Forest man

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Gary Rowett has expressed his gratitude for Luke Steele opting on a Millwall loan return.

The Nottingham Forest goalkeeper had spent the first half of the campaign in SE16 but headed back to his parent club last month when Frank Fielding resumed full training following months out with a torn quad.

But Steele made the same switch again at the end of the January transfer window after Fielding damaged his bicep muscle and looks set to miss the rest of the campaign.

It had left the Lions with only Bart Bialkowski as a senior keeper.

Steele played in both of the club’s EFL Cup matches but had been understudy to the Poland man in the Championship.

Millwall manager Rowett said: “We asked the question if he’d be happy to come back down and he was happy to do so.

“Again it shows the character in the group and how much people are enjoying being part of the group. I’m really pleased he chose to come back because what you want is someone you can trust.

“Steeley is a brilliant trainer and I wouldn’t hesitate to play him should we need to. Just with the form of Bart [Bialkowski] at the moment that is very difficult.

“It’s kind of a shame he didn’t come back until after the FA Cup [game against Sheffield United] as he would’ve been rewarded with a start. He’s a great character. I’m really grateful he’s come back to help us.”