Millwall boss on “gamble” of signing Derby County attacker Mason Bennett

Gary Rowett knows that signing Mason Bennett is a gamble – but reckons the rewards far outweigh the risks.

The attacker has penned a permanent deal with Millwall today.

It is a double switch from Derby County with Scott Malone coming back to SE16 on loan.

Bennett spent the second half of last season on loan with the Lions. He produced some eye-catching displays but also spent time out with niggling injuries.

Rams fans seemed delighted on social media to see the back of a player once touted for big things at Pride Park.

Rowett told the South London Press: “I understand Derby fans thinking that – he’s made mistakes and he has to live with those mistakes, I completely get that.

“But some players feel they need a fresh start. He’s been there a hell of a long time and been in and around the first team from the age of 15.

“I think when you’ve been somewhere nearly 10 years you need to be seen as a different type of player by a different set of eyes.”

Millwall had agreed a set fee for Bennett before his loan switch in January.

But now payments are based on appearances.

Rowett said: “When the deal changed, where you felt as though you had to earn the money by playing and starting, the risk was taken out by us.

“Where do you find a 24-year-old with those physical attributes and ability to score goals in the market this season? I don’t think you can.

“Now we’ve got a lot of work to do to keep Mason fit and on the pitch. We know it is a little bit of a risk but the reward outweighs the risk in that sense.

“I’m happy to work with him. He showed great attributes playing for us last season and fits in brilliantly with the group – they have been asking about him ever since the season finished. It shows how well he fitted in.

“Taking him is a little bit of a gamble but at the same time we’re the sort of club where we have to maximise our value for players – we’ve certainly done that with Mason and Scott Malone.”