Millwall striker earns praise after ending lengthy wait for a goal

BY ALEX GRACE

Gary Rowett had praise for Tom Bradshaw after the Millwall striker ended a goal drought of more than four months in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Bristol City.

The former Barnsley man got the final goal. It was the first time he had found the net since the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on December 19.

“To be fair to Bradders, a lot of credit to him – the last couple of games, he’s come back into the fold having not been involved that much and he’s been really bright,” said Rowett. “His performances have been excellent and I’m glad he got the goal because he’s been unfortunate in a few moments where he just hasn’t quite found that little bit of extra quality to finish. I’m really pleased for him.”

It’s the second successive season in which the Welsh international has endured a long spell without finding the net. His first goal of this season, which came during the 2-1 defeat at Swansea in October was his first in 21 appearances. The goal on Saturday ended a 15-match spell without a goal and the Lion chief admitted that his goal and his performances against both Watford and Bristol City will do wonders for his confidence.

Rowett added. “Massively important [for Bradshaw’s confidence].

“It’s difficult when you look at someone like Tom who works so hard and hasn’t had those breaks in front of goal.

“His goalscoring record actually isn’t too bad for the amount of starts this season – I think he’s got four or five in about 10 or 11 starts.

“Sometimes as a striker, you just need something to fall your way – you go through a bad patch, you need something to fall for you and you’ve got to keep working hard to create those moments. What he’s done is press the defender, won the chance himself and gone through. Those are difficult ones sometimes, because you have a lot of time to think and process what might happen if you don’t score, but he took it confidently.”