Leeds loanee had slight niggle as Millwall boss explains the team changes he made for Norwich City reverse

Millwall manager Gary Rowett has explained his call to make three changes to his starting line-up for tonight’s 2-0 defeat at Norwich City.

Shaun Hutchinson, Ryan Leonard and George Saville came in with the Lions chief knowing that some rotation would be needed after a 2-2 draw at Swansea City was followed quickly by another Championship away day this evening.

Rowett said: “It’s been a tough week – just where we could keep a bit of energy in there. To bring Shaun Hutchinson, George Saville and Ryan Leonard into the team is quite an easy decision really. They are all very, very good players that are replacing very good players on the other side.

“In Jamie Shackleton’s case he had a tight calf, so I really didn’t want to risk him for the full 90 minutes. I think we’ve got through it with no injuries. We got players back on the pitch – Vogey had a shot and showed what he can do, Zian got in some nice pockets and with a bit more sharpness and fitness he can show the quality he has got.

“We’ve had a real challenge in the first five league games to have enough strength in depth to make the changes. We’re going to have to do that this year. If you look at Norwich, who can have Pukki and Cantwell on the bench, you need to be able to compete with teams like that to get to where you want to be.”

Tom Bradshaw was also on the bench after returning from injury but did not get on the pitch.

“We’ll need to get those players [Bradshaw and Flemming] a little bit more match sharp because they have missed a little period now,” said Rowett. “But you can see the quality in those players who can really help us.

“I have to remember that Norwich are a side that came down from the Premier League and I believe they are now on seven points, exactly the same as us – so as disappointed as we are, I think we’ve done okay early part of the season. There is a lot more to come from us.”