Millwall boss impressed by Derby’s fight – but looking to dish out a survival setback tomorrow

Millwall manager Gary Rowett is looking to dent Derby’s Championship survival prospects tomorrow night but that doesn’t stop him being impressed at the way the club have battled to overcome their current plight.

The Rams are in administration and have been deducted 21 points.

But Wayne Rooney’s side are 22nd and only five points behind Peterborough United.

Without the penalty imposed on the Rams they would be level on points with Millwall, who head to Pride Park on Wednesday.

Rowett told the South London Press: “We’ll look at what Derby do and what we do. Blackburn is a very different game to Derby, Derby play in a different way. Blackburn are very much a back five and Derby tend to play with a back four. We haven’t got too many other options available in the squad anyway, we’ll be limited in terms of how many changes we can make – if we do make any.

“They’ve done a fantastic job to keep themselves in with a chance of getting out of where they are. It has not been the players’ fault, the fault of the staff or the fault of the fans. They are making a really good fist and a fight of getting out of it.

“I’ve watched from afar but I’ve been really impressed with the work they have done. I’ve been really impressed with the way the manager has handled the situation. I’m not surprised the fans have got behind their team. It is the only club in the city and they are a passionate fanbase – that’s who you feel sorry for.

“They are all pulling together.

“Of course, we’re going there to try and make things difficult for them and try to win the game. Everyone would say how good a job they have done so far and how impressed I certainly am with what they’ve done this season so far.”