At risk! Jake Cooper’s amazing run of consecutive games for Millwall under threat after suffering injury at Birmingham

BY ALEX GRACE

Jake Cooper has played every minute of the last 136 games for Millwall – but he is a doubt for Wednesday night’s trip to Blackburn Rovers after dislocating his shoulder against Birmingham City yesterday.

The injury came as the former Reading defender attacked a corner and landed awkwardly.

Cooper went on to play the final 15 minutes of the game but may not be able to extend his run of consecutive appearances.

“I’d imagine that will we be missing more players – Coops played the last 15 minutes with a dislocated shoulder,” said Lions manager Gary Rowett. “His shoulder came out and went back in, he just got on with it and for the last 15 minutes he is heading balls out of the box and trying to attack things, that shows just where we are and why I can’t be too critical.

“The players have given me absolutely everything and while we want a little bit more, we’ve been patching up and trying to go again but Wednesday will be a tough game, Blackburn are a side that can move the ball well and open you up if you’re not at it, certainly for us we will look at ways and see if we can freshen it up but I think we are going to be pretty limited.”

Rowett was forced to shuffle his pack with Jiri Skalak deputising for Mahlon Romeo at right wing-back. Alex Pearce also started for the first time since October 24.

Rowett was asked if he would be forced into a system change if Cooper was unavailable.

He responded: ”Who knows? We’ll have to wait and see on Monday morning. At the moment I’m trying not to look too far forward, as we’ve had players fit for one game and unavailable then unavailable for the next due to little injuries, niggles. It’s been frustrating but it is what it is.”