Gary Rowett explains Millwall’s approach to Crawley Town tie – and discusses Crystal Palace friendly

Millwall manager Gary Rowett is treating next weekend’s EFL Cup tie against Crawley Town as part of their pre-season programme.

The Lions host Premier League outfit Crystal Palace at The Den on Tuesday before heading to West Sussex at the weekend.

And Millwall will be missing players for the forthcoming fixtures. Troy Parrott’s quad injury saw him report and then return from international duty with Ireland while Jon Dadi Bodvarsson is away with Iceland.

Midfielder Ryan Woods (back) is expected to be back available to face Crawley.

Millwall start their Championship season with a home game against Stoke City on September 12.

“Even though Crawley is a game we want to win and is an official game I still think effectively it is taking the place of the Brighton friendly [the club had planned],” said Rowett. “It still has to be a game where our fitness levels are maybe not as ideal.

“But that is what we’re going to have to do leading up to the first league game. We’ve still got two games, in my opinion, before the season starts properly.”

Rowett is expecting a decent challenge against Palace, who won 3-0 against Charlton at the weekend.

“You see teams beat non-league clubs 9-1 and people say it is great for confidence but I’m not really sure it is,” said Rowett. “Because you’re not playing those type of teams when the season starts.

“You have to build the challenges up. Of course you don’t want Crystal Palace as your first game when your fitness levels are not where they are now.

“This might be one where we have uncomfortable periods and that is what you need.”

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