Millwall man is key to pressing game and also playing a higher defensive line

Millwall manager Gary Rowett says his side are able to play a higher defensive line when Shaun Hutchinson is in their side.

The former Fulham and Motherwell centre-back had been out with a quad injury for more than a month but returned to the starting line-up for the 1-1 draw at Forest last weekend and Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over Bristol City.

“He is a key player for us since we’ve come in the building,” said Rowett. “In a [back] three he has always given that little bit extra aggression and mobility in there. He’s quite a quiet lad but a leader in the way he plays.

“I’ve always felt since we switched him to the middle of the back three that he has been quite a crucial factor, because he just gives you extra speed to cover and you can go a little bit higher up the pitch and press higher. He gives you that safety valve.

“He is one that when he is missing he is a big miss, because it takes something away from the team.”