Romain Esse’s long-term role could be central – as Millwall prospect assessed in engine room role at Gillingham

Romain Esse’s long-term future is likely to be in a central role but Millwall manager Gary Rowett has explained why it might be a while before the 18-year-old plays there competitively.

The exciting talent played alongside Billy Mitchell in the middle of the park in yesterday’s 2-0 friendly win at Gillingham.

England U18 international Esse broke into the Millwall first-team last season and made 12 Championship appearances in total.

He signed a long-term professional contract in January.

Asked about the youth product being deployed through the middle in Kent, Rowett told the South London Press: “It was a combination of the numbers we’ve got and having a look at one or two things – also trying to get him in an area where he can affect the game.

“I don’t necessarily see it as a role he is going to play in the Championship straight away – but long term he could be more central, maybe if you play two eights in a 4-3-3 formation.

“He has got so much quality and ability. You saw him always trying to make things happen in the first half. He always tried to get on the ball and wanting to receive the ball – and then you looked second-half, with a few senior players, and I’m looking and thinking ‘show the same bravery’.

“I’ve been pleased with him. I think they’ll be the opportunity to play him a little further forward, at some point. But at the moment his quality is not going to stop him getting in the first team. It is going to be all the other things around it. He is already probably as talented as anybody we’ve got. He’s developing really nicely.”