Tom Bradshaw earns confidence boost of first goal of season – but Millwall suffer injury setback

BY ALEX GRACE

Gary Rowett was delighted for Tom Bradshaw after he scored his first goal of the season in Millwall’s 2-1 victory at Bristol City.

Bradshaw scored the opening goal just before half-time. His first effort was blocked but he got back up and fired the away side ahead, breaking his duck for the campaign.

“All the strikers, they are confidence players,” said Rowett.

“You go and score, you feel like you can go and score again. To keep someone like Benik [Afobe] out of the side is difficult, because he’s a top-quality striker. He was unfortunate that he played two games, scored two goals, was ill against Blackburn and I changed the team afterwards, which was a little bit unfair on Benik.

“He’ll be ready to come again, and I’m sure in a tough week we’ve got coming up, we’re going to need to utilise the squad.”

The win didn’t come without a negative for Rowett though, with Murray Wallace picking up an injury.

“Murray Wallace looks like he’s pulled his groin, which is something he did a little bit earlier in the season but we kind of got away with it,” said Rowett. “Again, there’s an opportunity for people to come back into the squad, respond and stay in the team.

“That’s what I like at the moment, players are fighting for their shirt, and with an extra little bit of zip and an extra bit of desire. That’s what has got us results, as much as the quality.”