Gritty edge is in Millwall’s DNA – Lions have hugely impressive defensive record in Championship

Gary Rowett has talked about the importance of his Millwall side digging in to grind out results, writes Richard Cawley.

The Lions kept their fourth clean sheet in five Championship matches after last weekend’s 1-0 win at Cardiff City.

Millwall have record 10 shutouts in 27 league fixtures.

“I looked earlier this week and we’ve conceded the third fewest goals – only Sheffield United and Burnley have conceded fewer,” Rowett told the South London Press.

“We’re really pleased with that because we didn’t start the season as tight defensively or as organised defensively.

“I’m pleased we’ve found that balance a little bit again but, of course, you have to keep working hard for the balance.

“Saturday was no exception. After a game I’ll maybe criticise that we can move the ball better or pass the ball better – but what we have got is so much character.

“We’ve got people like Coops [Jake Cooper] – throwing his head at the ball – and Hutchy [Shaun Hutchinson] with last-ditch tackles.”

Only Bournemouth (39) and Fulham (43) conceded fewer goals than Millwall (45) last season.

“There are not many teams around that have those type of qualities in the latter stages of the game that can keep you clean sheets,” said Rowett.

“That gritty edge is always going to have to be part of our DNA at Millwall.

“We’re always trying to improve. We brought in Zian [Flemming] to try and improve us technically as well. But, at the same time, we don’t want to lose what we’ve been good at for a long time now.”