Leeds United loanee impresses Millwall chief in 3-2 win over Sheffield United

Jamie Shackleton earned praise from Millwall boss Gary Rowett for the manner in which he replaced the injured Billy Mitchell in today’s 3-2 win  over Sheffield United.

The Leeds loanee had not started for the South London club since October 29 but stepped in alongside George Saville with Mitchell facing a number of weeks out with an ankle injury.

Rowett also made two other changes for the visit of the high-flying Blades with Andreas Voglsammer and Oliver Burke starting in place of Duncan Watmore and George Honeyman.

“It was a tough one before the game because Duncan and G have been good in the last few games,” said Rowett. “Duncan came into the team and I was conscious he was more ready to start than Burkey.

“If you play someone who hasn’t played that much and then just play them, and play them and play them then all of a sudden you are going to lose that player.

“G has got great energy and I could easily have started him today. I just felt fresh legs out wide, go on…let’s see what you can do. The two were outstanding – really, really good.

“They gave us real quality to get up the pitch and a little bit of power and physicality, which you need against Sheffield United. It allowed us the chance to make the changes late on.

“The biggest compliment I can pay Shacks, and it is no disrespect to Billy, is that we didn’t miss Billy. He’s been such a big player for us that I felt we would. It is a big blow, however Shacks was absolutely outstanding alongside Sav, who was really good as well.

“He (Shackleton) only came off with a bit of cramp because he hasn’t played much. I said to him a month ago that you’re going to get game time and don’t be too disappointed. I couldn’t quite give it him that point, for different reasons, but now he has got the opportunity and he looked a player who really wanted to take that opportunity.”