Gary Rowett pleased with Millwall squad’s focus following West Brom links

Gary Rowett has highlighted the focus his Millwall players have shown since reports linked him to the West Brom job earlier this month.

Rowett’s side have recorded three straight wins since the Millwall boss had been linked to the job at the Hawthorns following the dismissal of Steve Bruce.

Our paper reported at the time that there had been no approach for Rowett.

The Lions sit a point inside the top-six of the Championship following a 2-1 home win against the Baggies last weekend.

“Most players recognise that things in football happen and stories occur that have no real basis or foundations,” Rowett told the South London Press when asked about pleased he had been with the reaction of his side following the reports.

“For us, we just cracked on. The players don’t pay any attention to it – we’re focused on trying to win games of football, which is hard enough in this division.

“The players have responded really well after the Blackburn game. That’s the main focus, really, and everything else is just simply noise.”

Millwall academy graduate Billy Mitchell picked up the man of the match award for his performance against West Brom last time out.

“I have been really impressed by him,” Rowett added of the 21-year-old’s performances in recent weeks.

“He has shown a real level of maturity and consistency in his performances. Over the last 18 months, he has made really good improvements.

“We think there are areas where he can still improve. For any young player, it’s important that someone like Billy keeps working and looking at ways we can improve some of those forward passing options.

“We want our young players who come through to be aspirational and want to be Premier League players, whether that’s with us or another team.

“I have been really pleased with Billy. He’s a good lad and character who wants to do well and works incredibly hard on improving his game. He’s getting the rewards.”

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