‘It wasn’t on his CV!’ – Millwall boss delighted at Leeds United defensive prospects impressive goal contributions

Gary Rowett has admitted that Charlie Cresswell’s goalscoring form for Millwall has been a major plus of his loan move from Leeds United.

The 20-year-old centre-back has scored three times in his first six matches for the Lions.

Cresswell headed the opener in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Cardiff City.

The England U21 international made a season-long loan switch from Leeds at the start of July.

Cresswell has played 529 minutes in all competitions for the South London club and looks nailed on to start at Sunderland on Saturday with club captain Shaun Hutchinson (groin) ruled out.

Cresswell has made a 14 senior appearances since making his debut for Leeds last season.

Rowett told the South London Press: “We didn’t really expect to sign a goal-scoring centre-half – it doesn’t say that on his CV – but we know he attacks things well and arrives really well and aggressively.

“For a young lad, his timing and aggression has been fantastic.

“That’s been Cressy all season so far. He wants to go and win everything – that can be a strength but also get you in trouble at times as a defender. It’s for us to try and help him when to use that aggression and when to maybe halt that aggression a little bit longer until the striker has made a decision.

“But he has done really well. I said to him when he came in: ‘It is going to be very difficult for any of our players to play 46 games’. But he has played the vast majority, something like seven out of the nine so far, which is a really good start.

“Now he’s probably going to have the opportunity to go and build on that. He has scored some important goals as well, long may that continue.”