Gary Rowett backs Casper De Norre to build on promising start to Millwall career

Millwall boss Gary Rowett believes there is still much more to come from Casper De Norre after the Belgian’s impressive start to life at the club.

The former Genk midfielder joined the Lions in the summer from OH Leuven on a long-term contract and has started their first two league matches this season.

De Norre was awarded the Player of the Match award following the 1-0 defeat to Bristol City last weekend.

“He’s started brightly,” Rowett told the South London Press. “We know what a good player he is – he’s a player we have tracked for a while.

“He’s a player who will get better and better. Physically, he’s found the difference with Championship football.

“When he has reached 60 to 65 minutes in both games, he has felt that little bit of fatigue that you’re not used to. Those are the elements that he will improve on. He’s comfortable on the ball, bright, and has a spark about him where he wants to get on it and break forward. He wants to give you something in the final third.

“He will be a really good player for us. He’s performed really well, but there is a lot more to come from Casper.”

The 26-year-old’s emergence has meant that George Saville, who came third in the club’s Player of the Season vote and made 42 Championship appearances last season, has been benched. Billy Mitchell has started both Championship games alongside De Norre.

“Every decision is a tough decision,” said Rowett of leaving Saville out of the starting line-up. “Every player will feel that they deserve to start. Every player has probably done enough to have that feeling that they might start.

“As a manager, you have to pick the team you think will be the most effective in the first few games.

“Sav is an experienced player. He knows he will get back in there with his opportunity and it’s up to him to take it.

“What is important this year is that you have to go out there and everybody has to earn the right to play, regardless of how last season went or regardless of how many games they have played.”