‘Full-blooded challenges and crunching tackles’ – Gary Rowett praises Danny McNamara after first Lions goals

Gary Rowett praised Danny McNamara after the right-wing-back scored his first-ever goals in a Millwall shirt.

The Lions academy product gave the Lions the lead in the first half before doubling it straight after half-time. Oliver Burke and Benik Afobe added two more as the South London club ran out 4-1 winners against Barnsley.

“He’s a right-wing back, part of the role as a wing-back is to join in with the attack, get forward, and be an extra man in those areas,” said Rowett of the 23-year-old.

“We’ve seen Scotty Malone do it really well on the other side, they’ve got that license to do it, and Danny’s been very consistent – very good defensively.

“It’s not a position he’s played in up until going [out on loan] to St Johnstone – he was always a bit more of a conventional right-back, so that’s something we’re trying to help him add to his game.

“But he’s a willing learner, and he works very hard. Whichever way you look at it, goals and assists are going to define how good a wing-back you are. 

“I was pleased for him today. He got on the end of a couple of good balls in, and it’s about gambling into those positions and reading the game. Hopefully, he will take a bit of confidence from that.

“He’s done really well. Lenny’s [Ryan Leonard] injury has given him a consistent run of games. He’s been really good, Danny, especially in some of the home games – the crowd appreciates some of those full-blooded challenges.

“There have been games this season where a Danny McNamara crunching tackle has set everyone off, and the atmosphere’s started.”

Photos: Brian Tonks