“Bright” – Millwall boss gives verdict on Troy Parrott’s first Championship start since Tottenham loan switch

BY DANIEL MARSH

Troy Parrott was praised by Millwall manager Gary Rowett after a ‘bright’ performance on his first Championship start.

The Tottenham loanee made his long-awaited first league appearance from the bench at the weekend, but he was given his first start against Reading after recovering from ankle ligament damage.

The young Irish striker’s return has been hugely anticipated by Lions fans and he showed glimpses of his talent during his hour-long cameo, including winning the free-kick which was lashed home by Jed Wallace for the Lions goal.

Parrott was replaced by Jon Dadi Bodvarsson on the hour, but Rowett confessed that was always the plan – even if he did want to keep him on.

“He was bright,” said the Lions chief. “For an 18-year-old player to make his league debut, I thought he was excellent.

“We could only really play him for an hour tonight. I’d have loved to have kept him on, and he’d have loved to stay on. But what we can’t afford to do is for another forward player to be out injured, because our injury list is growing which makes it difficult.

“He showed what great vision he’s got, his link play was good. I’d have liked him to maybe get a little bit higher at times. I think because we played him and Ben Thompson a little bit flatter, if there was space to drop and build then great. But, we don’t all want to drop and build. We still need that penetration and that player in the box.

“Reading dropped really deep in the first half and there wasn’t much space, so maybe an older player with a little bit more physical presence stays higher and tries to fight in the box for those moments when it’s wide. That’s something that he’ll get with more games and exposure in the Championship. We need to keep him fit, because we think he’s an excellent player.”

PHOTO: KEITH GILLARD