Millwall boss not expecting midfielder movement in January transfer window

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Gary Rowett is not expecting Ben Thompson to ask for a loan move away from Millwall.

Portsmouth were interested in another temporary deal for the midfielder, 25, in the last transfer window.

Thompson was a smash hit during a loan spell with the South Coast club in the first half of the 2018-19 campaign. Kenny Jackett’s side are top of League One.

Lions manager Rowett said: “There has always been interest in Thommo from different places and I know there’s been quite a lot of speculation from the Portsmouth end about their interest in the past, because he did really well there.

“But he is an important part of what we’re doing. Until Thommo comes to me and says: ‘I haven’t had enough game time – I need to play more’ then there isn’t really a debate I need to have. I don’t anticipate that [conversation] happening.

“The lads love him and he works incredibly hard every day in training. How many games he starts will be down to his performances when he does start. I think there is a little more to come from him.”