Millwall boss explains why Tom Bradshaw – on for a hat-trick – came off against Rotherham United

Gary Rowett has explained why he did not leave Tom Bradshaw on the pitch for the closing stages of yesterday’s 3-0 win over Rotherham United – despite the Millwall striker needing just one more goal for his second hat-trick of the campaign.

The forward bagged a treble in a 3-0 win over Watford on October 19.

And that had been the last time that Bradshaw had score for the Lions before New Year’s Day.

He headed in Callum Styles’ free-kick and also converted from close range after Rotherham keeper Viktor Johansson could only parry Andreas Voglsammer’s strike.

It was also Bradshaw’s shot which deflected off United defender Cameron Humphreys for Millwall’s second goal on the afternoon.

He could easily have had a treble, putting an effort over the bar from close range in the first period as well as flicking a Voglsammer cross wide at the near post.

Asked if he was tempted to keep Bradshaw on so he could try and land another matchball, Rowett told the South London Press: “No, because with Benik being out injured it means Bradders has had to plough on up there. He does so much work for the team – he’s tireless and does so much distance, he closes people down all game.

“It was in our mind that he might need a little breather tonight. He might need a little breather next week [against Sheffield United in the FA Cup], I’m sure he won’t want one.

“You’ve got to look after players who are effective. We always speak about it – we’ve got to keep our players fit. There is a fine line between playing them, keeping them going – building that resilience – and actually getting them off at the right time to give them 10 minutes breather, so they don’t get injured.

“It was the same with Zian. There was an opportunity to get a few of our players off who didn’t need to expend themselves really.

“Nice to see the lads coming on, young Romain comes on and has another performance. He thought it was the World Cup final at one point, he was dropping in to try and get the ball – doing little tricks and all sorts – but it shows a young lad who just wants to play and show what he has got.

“It was a good evening but I feel for Rotherham a little bit. It is a really difficult position they are in at the moment and I’m sure they’ll be looking forward to the January window coming and bringing a few players in.”