Leeds United defender enjoys dream Millwall debut – with Lions boss confident plenty more to come

Gary Rowett saw Charlie Cresswell score twice on his Millwall debut but is convinced there is plenty more to come from the Leeds loanee.

The 19-year-old centre-back, on a season-long loan from Leeds United, netted in each half. His first was a powerful header from a George Honeyman corner.

And he then produced an emphatic right-footed volley from Scott Malone’s corner in the second period to clinch a 2-0 win that took Millwall to the top of the Championship table.

It was a fully-merited three points for the South Londoners.

Rowett said: “You never want to say it too much, because it sounds a bit critical of the opposition, but in terms of the game we created the best chances by far and didn’t really allow Stoke to have any clearcut chances. We defended really well as a group and as a team.

“When you come out of the tunnel, the atmosphere is electric and then your team match that energy from the crowd, that was a key thing early on. We made it very difficult for them first half.

“We scored the goal and looked reasonably comfortable. Maybe at 1-0 we just rushed a few little things, maybe could’ve played with a little more composure but our energy second half was just as good.

“The changes late on gave us a little more control. Stoke were always going to have a little bit of the ball late on but I don’t think they ever truly opened us up very many times. It was down to our energy, desire and diligence. Two set-piece goals is always pleasing. Could’ve possibly had one or two more.

“I don’t think we care where the goals come from. The main thing we’ve spoken about is we have to be a better squad and a better team, certainly off the ball as well. When you lose certain players that have individual attributes then you have to go down a different route. I don’t think you can replace those players like for like. One of the routes we felt, certainly to enhance our away form, is can we be a team with incredible energy? Can be mobile? Can run and open spaces up with our athleticism, not just out good play?

“You saw that in the game. George Honeyman just runs and runs and runs. He’s like a human dynamo in there. Shackleton’s the same. We know Billy Mitchell will do that. Those three were excellent today.

“With the new signings there’s a little bit of Millwall in there with all of them. That little bit of bite and feistyness in their performances. Zian [Flemming], I knew the game would be a little bit direct and a game of seconds, I knew he’d be desperate to play and be involved but better for him to watch – to see what it was all about – and then come on when there is a little bit more space. You saw his composure when he came on.

“We’re not judging anyone on one game, are we? I think it will be more poignant to do that after 10 games.”

Rowett hinted that Cresswell would have been on the bench for today’s game if Shaun Hutchinson had not missed out with a hamstring injury.

The Millwall boss explained: “I just said to him: ‘It doesn’t get any better than that, does it?’ As a young player making his Millwall debut, he showed what he was all about.

“I spoke to him Tuesday. He has worked incredibly hard and been excellent in pre-season, I just said: ‘I’ve been really impressed, you might have to be a little bit patient with the senior centre-halves we have got’. Hutchy pulled out of training towards the end of the week, but it made team selection easy – he went straight into the team.

“It wasn’t just the goals – impressive as they were. He attacked both goals. It was the way he defended. He got a yellow card early in the second half but showed great control and great composure when to step in and when to come out with the ball. You saw his range of passing, I don’t think you’ve seen half of it today.

“He’s played for Leeds and he’s played for England U21s, I don’t think it is any surprise – the quality he has got. It was a really, really good start.”