Millwall manager Gary Rowett: EFL Cup progress key to giving full squad competitive minutes

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Gary Rowett was pleased to see his Millwall side progress to the second round of the EFL Cup – because it will help him give game time to all of his squad.

The Lions won 3-1 at Crawley Town today with Scott Malone, a Jordan Tunnicliffe own goal and Matt Smith all netting.

“It was important we got through to the next round because when we start the season there are going to be some players coming back from international duty who might not have had any minutes.

“I don’t think Fergie played at all in the first game. We’ll see if Jon Dadi plays this afternoon against England and Troy has been injured.

“It’s important we’ve got another game, sandwiched in between the league games. That might be a more traditional line up in terms of making some changes and giving players more minutes.

“But we’ve got the squad to do that this season. We’ve got the squad to let some people be there in a good team and see what they can do in a similar formation.

“I’m not bothered who we have. Actually a cup draw a little more north..so I haven’t got such a long drive home afterwards!”