Danny McNamara takes his chance as he makes Millwall first-team return – as Ryan Leonard suffers ankle niggle

Gary Rowett commended Danny McNamara’s “outstanding” performance in last night’s 1-1 Den draw with Bournmeouth – but revealed Ryan Leonard would have started at right-back if he was fit.

Academy product McNamara, 22, was handed his first Championship start since the Lions’ 2-0 defeat against Luton Town on October 16.

Rowett said: “For Danny Mac, it was a difficult game to come into. Lenny would’ve started, I’ll be really honest. Lenny’s performances have warranted another start.

“He felt his ankle this morning. But I’ve said to Danny all along: ‘I know you’re disappointed – but you’ve just got to be ready when you get a chance’.

“He got his chance tonight, slightly different to when he came in against Bournemouth last time. Then it was the unknown for him. This time there was a little bit of pressure on to go and perform. He was outstanding as well, so a lot of credit goes to him.

“Lenny just felt it [his ankle] in the night. It was unusual as he trained yesterday and felt ok when I named the team. We did our preparation work and he felt ok. He tried a fitness test this afternoon, and just didn’t feel anywhere near right. We’ll assess it. That’s what you have a good squad for.”