Millwall will get transfer window deals done as manager Gary Rowett allays any squad strengthening fears

Gary Rowett is fully confident that Millwall will add to their squad before the transfer window closes.

The Lions are light in the attacking department after Benik Afobe had his contract cancelled by mutual consent and Isaac Olaofe was sold to Stockport.

Winger Tyler Burey is also out for a number of weeks with a hip injury.

Millwall boss Rowett said: “We will make signings before the end of the window. Whether they are our first choice, third choice of fifth choice, then who knows? We can’t really dictate that. We’re working really hard. I don’t put too much pressure on people because we are all putting a lot of effort and a lot of hours in. It’s a very unpredictable window.

“If I’m a fan, I’m probably getting itchy feet wondering why we haven’t made any signings. If they knew some of the targets we’re after, and some of the work that is going on, then they might understand it a little bit more.

“We realise we’re in a good position. The owner is desperately wanting to help us strengthen the team – providing it is done in a reasonable and rational way, not just short term deals but long-term deals.

“We’ve got some really good targets. We have been close and then the deal has fell through. There are lots of things going on behind the scenes.”

Millwall are not expected to make a breakthrough before tomorrow’s trip to Cardiff City. By the time they next play, at home to Sunderland on February 4, the window will be shut.

“The summer one means you have six weeks of off season to line up deals and speak to agents,” said Rowett. “And then you have probably six weeks of pre-season – so 12 weeks with no games.

“The challenge in January is you’re trying to sign players within the games. Things can be derailed by injury, a suspension or someone going out first. There are so many variables that make it more of a challenge.

“It’s another window where we’re looking for the final couple of pieces of the jigsaw, in some ways. So it’s not easy to find them.

“We can go and find players no problem, and sign players. But it’s about signing the right ones – I’ve said that every window I’ve been here.

“Each window we’ve probably become a little bit stronger each time by trying to be patient.

“We only really let Benik out because it was something he wanted to do – it came up quite quickly – and we only did that on the basis we were going to strengthen those areas.

“Your hope as a manager is that you’re not waiting too long to do that.

“When you’re in the position that we are, I appreciate that everybody is impatient – including me – but there is a process to go through.”