Millwall keeper set to keep starting spot for EFL Cup tie against Leicester City

George Long is set to keep his starting spot for Millwall’s EFL Cup tie against Leicester City next month.

The Lions were drawn against the reigning FA Cup holders when the third round draw took place yesterday night.

Rowett made seven changes for Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Cambridge United. Goalkeeper Long, signed on a free transfer after leaving Hull City, has started both matches in that competition.

So far he has played understudy in the Championship to Bartosz Bialkowski.

Asked if drawing high-profile opposition would change his selection process for the tie at The Den, Rowett replied: “You saw the other night that West Brom put out a very much changed side against Arsenal, who had a fairly strong team, and you saw the result [a 6-0 defeat].

“You either put out a team to protect the team that is starting the next game, and then you run the risk against those opponents of getting heavily turned over.

“It’s more about taking each game in isolation. There are certain things you can commit to. For example, if Longy hasn’t started in the league then, for me, he plays in these cup games. That’s a commitment you have to think about beforehand – he’ll play regularly.

“Who plays in the rest of the team is hard, because you need energy and the ability to keep up with the athleticism that those players have. We performed well against Portsmouth and Cambridge to get to this round. You need to get the right blend. It is an easier question to answer [over team selection] as we get closer to the game.”