Millwall boss explains thinking behind Leeds loanee dropping out of team for Wigan fixture

Millwall manager Gary Rowett described it as a “difficult” call to take Charlie Cresswell and George Honeyman out of his starting line-up for Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Wigan Athletic.

Leeds loanee Cresswell, 20, had started the last five Championship matches – playing the full 90 minutes in all of them – but was replaced by Shaun Hutchinson, who had recovered from injury.

Rowett’s other switch saw Mason Bennett come into the starting 11 for Honeyman.

The Lions boss told the South London Press: “It was a really difficult decision because young Cressy has done really, really well in the games that he has played. Coming back into a different system, it has really suited him. He has done really well.

“It was a difficult decision, that one. Ninety-nine per cent of the other players haven’t got the captain waiting to come back into the team who is such a big player for us over a long period of time. There is always that temptation to get Hutchy back in, which is no reflection at all on Cressy as a player.

“Cressy is a really good player and he’s going to be an absolutely fabulous centre-half. Hopefully he keeps learning and getting better and better.

“George Honeyman, yet again, was a difficult one to leave out. George’s energy and running has been really crucial for the team but I just felt I’d go with a more natural winger in Benno.

“It took a while for him to get into the game but he got better and better as the game went on, as did Hutchy. Hutchy just felt it a bit towards the end but it was important to give him that game time so that he can get through this little initial period, which is the aim for him with his bad luck so far this season.”