‘Sheyi Ojo needs to feel at home’ – Ex-Lion Livermore’s verdict on winger’s move to Millwall

David Livermore gave Millwall a glowing character reference on their latest loan recruit Sheyi Ojo.

The Liverpool attacker, 24, joined the Lions on transfer deadline day.

And Millwall assistant manager Adam Barrett called up Livermore, who was number two to Neil Harris at The Den, to delve a little bit deeper.

Ojo scored five goals and got seven assists for Cardiff City last season. And it was Harris who was in charge of the Bluebirds when that move happened.

“It’s a good signing,” Livermore, who also assisted Harris at the Welsh club, told the South London Press.

“It’s probably the type of player that Millwall are lacking in the squad at the moment, certainly with Mason Bennett being out injured.

“He’s got a lot of similar traits to Jed [Wallace]. He’s a lefty, so he gives you a bit of balance as well.

“I spoke to Adam and I had no problem with recommending him to the club.

“We played him the majority of the time on the right. I think he prefers to play on that side. But he is equally as comfortable on the left. There were times last season, when we were chasing games, that we put him to left-back.

“When he plays on the left it can simplify his game – go on the outside and deliver.

“Sheyi has got the ability to play inside, between lines – he can receive inside; but he is equally comfortable receiving outside the opponent’s shape and going one-v-one.

“We liked him coming off the right – driving inside, finding little through balls and combinations to get shots off.

“He’s pretty versatile.

“He can play any of those three positions up top – a seven, 11 or a 10. He could probably play left wing-back for you as well, if Gary [Rowett] chooses to continue with that shape.

“He is quick, don’t get me wrong, but he isn’t lightning quick. He’s not a Fred Onyedinma quick – he’s a powerful runner and can travel with the ball. He’ll get you up the pitch and be dangerous on the counter attack.”

This will by Ojo’s seventh loan away from Anfield. Previous temporary stops include Wolves, Rangers, Fulham and Wigan.

“What Sheyi needs – and probably what he is craving – is a home,” said Livermore.

“He needs that place to feel like he is settled and I think you’ll see the best of Sheyi.

“There’s no reason that can’t be down in London with Millwall.

“He is intelligent and he is a hard-worker. That was one of the things we were really impressed with – his work off the ball to get back into shape and tackle back.

“In and around the training ground he is an excellent pro. He lives right, he was always ready to train and always ready to perform on a matchday. He was focused.

“It’s like any player – they just need time to settle.

“One thing I’m sure Sheyi will want to do is contribute more to his goals tally and assists. It is an area where he can still make improvements – he’s certainly got the ability to create more goals and score more goals.

“I just feel there is so much more to come from him. Maybe Millwall is the place where he can finally put down some roots and consistent performances. He just needs to find that consistency in his performances now.”