Leeds loanee had window interest – but set to get more Championship know-how in remainder of Millwall loan

Millwall manager Gary Rowett is confident Charlie Cresswell will get more opportunities to impress during his loan.

The Leeds United centre-back was linked with Stoke City before the end of the January transfer window.

But instead the England U21 international ended up stay on the Lions’ book when the deadline for deals expired at 11pm on Tuesday.

“I think there were conversations going on in the background – that there were other opportunities for Charlie,” Rowett told the South London Press. “My understanding is that he wanted to stay because he is really enjoying his time here and understands that this is all part of the process.

“Of course he wants to play more minutes. But I think he’ll get that opportunity. Sometimes as a manager, all you can do is say what you think will happen. I said it to Longy (George Long) for 18 months and he was looking at me like I’m a lunatic.

“Sometimes that is all you can say, you can’t promise anything.

“I think he’ll get a chance to show what he is all about. He’s trained brilliantly and his attitude and maturity have come on all the way through this season. Sometimes that’s part of the loan process, as much as the games.

“By the end of the season he will go away a much better with much more enriched experiences in the league. That’s what it is about.”